Fungi in unexpected places

We spent last Christmas Day with our daughter, her partner and our granddaughter, Milly, and pride of place was taken by the Christmas tree, which Milly proudly helped to decorate.  After Christmas, the tree was planted in the garden at my daughter's house, where we hope it will thrive until next Christmas. To help the tree settle into its garden site, Milly likes to regularly water it to make sure it doesn't dry out.

As I accompanied Milly on one of these watering sessions, I took a closer look at the area where the tree has been planted and to my surprise I found two different fungi growing in considerable profusion nearby. I can't believe that, without my noticing, these fungi have been quietly growing so close to places I visit so regularly. I suppose the lesson here is that I need to be more observant and appreciative of what is around me!

Milly watering her Christmas tree

This is Milly watering her Christmas tree. 

 Unexpected fungi growing near Milly's tree

  Some unexpected fungi growing near Milly's tree.

 More fungi growing near Milly's tree

More fungi near Milly's tree

6 replies
  1. mjm
    mjm says:

    Funny what is right in front of ours eyes and until we slow down we don't see them. thank goodness for children to slowing us down to see the little things.

  2. Robin
    Robin says:

    The top ones look like turkey tail.   I've heard rumors that it can be used to dye with, but I've never gotten any color from them.    We dried them, boiled them, tried reducing them for weeks with ammonia…. and no color.   I'd love to hear how anyone else is getting color from them.   We have loads.

  3. else
    else says:

    The top one surely looks like Turkey tails (but it would be good to see the under side). It is used to make paper!
    The second one is the velvet shank, Flammulina velutipes; a common winter mushroom. Edible! in fact it is culvitated in Japan.

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