Solomon’s seal in bloom at Enlow Fork, 28 April 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

2 May 2026

Four of us visited Enlow Fork (State Gamelands 302) on 28 April, two days after Wheeling Creek Watershed Conservancy held their Enlow Fork Spring Fling. Many flowers were at their peak but our yo-yo weather caused many others to bloom early and those were past their prime.

Four of the best flowers are pictured here:

• Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum sp.)
• Foam flower (Tiarella sp.)
• Fire pink (Silene virginica)
• Bedstraw or Cleavers (Galium sp.)

Foam flower at Enlow Fork, 28 April 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

Fire pink, Enlow Fork, 28 April 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

Bedstraw is also called cleavers because of the tiny hooks on all its leaves and stems. The hooks are so tiny that they never hurt but they do make the plant stick to your hand.

Bedstraw, Enlow Fork, 28 April 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

A Favorite Cat:

Last weekend we visited my family in southeastern Virginia and saw one of our favorite cats, my sister’s cat Liddy.

Liddy likes to be with people and she likes to sleep. During dinner she wanted to be with us but it was bright and loud and no lap was available so she slept on the back of the sofa.

My sister’s cat, Liddy, is blocking our light and sounds while she sleeps near us, 26 April 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

To keep out the light and noise she “stands on her head” to block her ears and cover her eyes. Here’s what she looks like when her face is looking up.

My sister’s cat Liddy, 25 April 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)