Larkspur Conservation-A Living Memorial
Friday, April 10 promised to be a sunny, albeit very cool, day. With all the Tennessee state parks and natural areas closed to the public due to the Coronavirus mandates, we happened upon a wonderful area to hike and explore. Our original intention was to find a species of trillium at Taylor Hollow, a state natural area in Middle Tennessee. However, the property across from Taylor Hollow, Larkspur Conservation, was open to the public for hiking and exploring. [Photo of map taken from Larkspur Conservation website]
The trail from the parking area followed a wide path up and around the ridge. In the woods and along the side of the trail we found an abundance of Mayapple plants (Podophyllum peltatum) some in bloom.
On our drive to Middle Tennessee along I-40, we saw vast fields of Miami Mist (
Phacelia purshii) blanketing the meadows and roadsides. This lacy flower was scattered along the edge of the trail.
Look closely at the sign and you will recognize the purpose of this building: comfort. AKA outhouse. However, due to the Coronavirus, it remained locked and nailed shut offering no comfort.
One purpose of Larkspur Conservation apart from serving as a nature preserve is to provide places for natural burials.
Chris and I are accustomed to visiting cemeteries in the Smokies where many generations are buried in family or church cemeteries.
Larkspur Conservation is committed to natural burial: no embalming, no vault, only natural casket or shroud, similar to the practice of early settlers. Many of the graves were adorned with native plants, planted and named trees, and rough-cut natural stones with minimal engraving.
The entire 155 acres consist of open meadows, tree-covered ridges and deep ravines. Wildflowers grew in abundance! Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum) is always a treat to find.
Many of the graves were scattered in a large meadow.
A giant oak called the Founders' Tree stood sentinel near the top of the ridge overlooking a deep forested valley below.
Color sprouted among the leaf litter in the woods. Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) grew in profusion all through the forest.
A damaged Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) still preached from its pulpit.
Wild Comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum) was easily recognizable by its giant fuzzy leaves and arching bloom stem. In herbal medicine Comfrey was often used to treat a variety of digestive disorders and respiratory infections. Some folks still use it as a mild sedative.
Mowed trails meandered all around the meadow where various graves were scattered.
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
perched upon one woodland grave.
How appropriate with Resurrection Sunday approaching that we found the Dogwood, the legendary tree representing the blood-stained cross where Jesus died for the sins of the world.
Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne)which gave its name to the Conservation grew along the trails, in the woods and along the steep slopes of the ravines.
Purple Phacelia nestles beneath Twinleaf.
What a delightful surprise! Bent Trillium grew in a deep ravine along a dry creek bed.
Bent Trillium (Trillium flexipis) is one of my favorite spring wildflowers.
From what I can determine from my Ferns of the Smokies guide, what looks like a fern behind the Mayapple, is Mountain Spleenwort (Asplenium montanum). I am open to correction!
I was pleased to see Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) thriving although they were well past their peak.
A frequent woodland companion of Virginia Bluebells is Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum).
There was such an array of wildflowers at Larkspur Conservation that I could have spent all day cataloging with my camera. Although disappointed that we could not hike in our intended natural area, we found a lovely spot to walk and contemplate the beauty of God's creation.
