It rained today. On and off. The garden changes in so many ways. The plants and trees seem to be greener and the colours of the flowers are more vibrant.
I found one small fungi, that looked new in the morning, but by the afternoon appeared to have aged significantly.
When the children returned, we decided to hunt out something else which was more evident in the soggy garden.
Yes, snails. In the rain, they had been crawling everywhere. Of course, by the time the children were home, the rain had stopped and they were hiding again.
Not deterred, we gently turned over stones and lifted wood to find the snails. I think we identified 16 different types of snails in about half an hour, but we may have counted some types twice. The children ran from one area to another as the cry went up that someone had found another type.
It occurred to me, as I was putting the photos together, do all snails shells wind around in the same direction? Does it depend on which hemisphere they are located? Do these snails look odd to those of you living in the southern hemisphere? I’d love to know!
I’m linking this to The Magic Onion’s Friday Nature Table. Every Friday, I always find something that inspires me from the nature tables submitted. Go on, go and take a look.
I love reading your comments, but if you are pushed for time and enjoyed this post, please feel free just to click on the thumbs up. I’ll know you stopped by and I appreciate it.
I love the snail pics. What camera do you have? Very jealous of the wide range of snails you have! The only one a can identify on sight is a white lipped hedge snail as we have lots of them. The rest I need my snail guide for.
My dd likes to find baby snails and keep them in an old fish tank, build them up until they are big ‘n’ strong and then release back into the garden (and onto my plants!)
Hi Kellyi – I’d love to know what snail guide you use. I’m trying to be more tolerant towards all the little creatures that share my garden and plants. Its occurred to me that if I know more about each type, it might be easier to welcome them. They are not getting free rein of my garden, but I don’t intend to annihilate them.
I use a Canon G9. I’ve so much to learn about this little camera.
My snail book is called “Woodland Life” by Mandahl-Barth. It’s an old book I got at Primary School, printed in 1966. I think your coppery-brown ones are types of Chrysalis Snails whereas the lighter, yellowy ones are Crystal Snails. The small ones – Glass Snails maybe?
This is an excellent websitehttp://www.conchsoc.org/aids_to_id/id1.php
Hope it helps with your snail love!
Many thanks, Kellyi, for the link and the book reference. I’ll follow them up. Love the names of the snails. Drizzling here, so plenty of snails around to identify, at the moment.
It rained here too…all day long…we only have soggy chickens, happy seedlings and wet shoes to speak of. I’ve said it before, but I have serious snail envy happening here!!! Your beautiful pictures are simply enchanting.
Thank you for sharing your day with us!
Maureen
Hi Maureen – I love mini-beasts. You can have so many different varieties in one small place. The children love learning about them all. I am glad you enjoyed the snail photos. I did thin them out, but I wondered if twelve snails in one post was still going over the top!
loving all those snail spirals xx
Hi Denise – Yes, the spirals are eye catching. Reminds me of your blog header. I am feeling inspired to do a crafting project incorporating some spirals, very soon.
I love this post! What cool photos.
Thanks Grace! We had so much fun finding the snails.
Muy lindo tu blog y las fotos
!muchas gracias¡
You are very welcome, Jimena.