Elephant grass is the elephant in the room--or, in this case, the field.

Scientifically known as Miscanthus, and commonly called plume grass, maiden grass, Eulalia grass, and Chinese or Japanese silver grass, elephant grass has been popping up all over the Island. This nonnative plant, along with its many ornamental cultivars, has become very popular in our yards and gardens. Increasingly, however, I am seeing it along trails and roadsides and in open fields.

Before there were chocolate, roses, and sentimental cards, there were animal sacrifices, whippings, and nakedness. It must have been quite a party!

Early celebrations of the holiday that would eventually be known as Valentine’s Day were a bit more raucous than our modern-day traditions. As with most Christian-based holidays, there was a pagan festival that preceded it.

George de Mestral stuck with it.

For more than seven years, he worked on developing a material that “would rival the zipper in its ability to fasten.” Clearly, he was a stickler for perfection, though not more so than Mother Nature, which provided the inspiration for his invention.

Don't expect the sounds of silence this winter.

Nature is noisy. For those that are willing to brave the cold weather, a sound safari awaits! The drumming of woodpeckers, creaking of trees, rushing of winds and cracking of ice provide a lot of acoustic action this season.

Winter is a slower time for most of us. There is less light, less outdoor time and definitely fewer people. There might even be less noise, though the sounds we hear seem to be so much louder.

Don't squash my enthusiasm.

Why shouldn’t I be excited about the last little bit of local produce in my pantry? Along with some remaining homegrown potatoes, garlic, frozen garden tomatoes and backyard-raised chickens, I am lucky to have a few Island-grown butternut squashes left.