Tiny curiosities

Meanwhile I was cutting off the weed I found couple of interesting things on my land. First of all a mysterious hole. Actually three of them. Not too far away from each other. Approximately 1-1,5 meter (3-5 feet) from one to the next. If I had to guess I'd say the maker and the owner of that underground passages was a European souslik. Don't confuse it with shashlyk.

This is souslik...rather a buncha

...and this is shashlyk

Ok. It doesn't mean you can't make shashlyk from souslik and a little veggies, but that would be a pricey one, because souslik is a protected animal in Hungary. It likes grass, seeds and insects. That's why I'd say the previous tenant of this hole was a souslik, because my land is an old, neglected orchard with plenty of insects. Furthermore the ex-owner planted corn in this section of the land which probably attracted these little creatures. Here is the pic for further judgement:

For size reference, there is my Benchmade Griptilian 551 folder

Anyway souslik is the most skilled animal: it can fly with wheat-filled cheek pouches, meanwhile balancing on an owl on its back. ;)
An other curiosity in the orchard are these holes in the trees:

These holes mean good and bad at once. They are bad, because that means my trees are sick. There are worms inside them. The good thing is these holes indicate a woodpecker lives nearby and taking care of my trees. Therefore it is called the woodpecker to 'the doc of trees' in folklore. Hopefully Doc can save them by spring.

I found a very interesting little shrub at the northern corner of my land, what so called Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium). Yes, it's native to western North America. Someone brought it from there long time ago to Hungary. Many people know so, that the berries are not edible 'cause they are slightly poisonous. Well, the toxic is located mainly in the leaves and root of the plant. However, the berries high in Vitamin C. You just have to wait till they gonna be ripe. Native Americans made jam out of it and ate to prevent scurvy. But, this is only one thing you might know about it. Mahonia is not just a nice decoration of your garden. It is also a herbal. Its alkaloids calm skin, reduce irritation and dandruff. If you make tea, tincture or a cream of its woody parts, you can use it against or in case of diarrhea, arthritis, eczema, fever, digestive disorders or kidney and liver diseases.

Mahonia aquifolium

This is not over. :) I have another exciting plant at the other end of my property. That is the English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Lots of you folk might know that a bunch of dried flowers ousts moths of the wardrobe. But, did you know?
It is also effective to keep aphids away from neighboring plants in the garden.
It is one of the ingredients of the sauce for gyros.
You can find it in Provance herb mix as well.
Fits to seasoning roasted mutton and fish.
You can, too, make tea of flowers and use it as a sedative.
It is in use against stomach and intestinal problems.

This plantation is about two feet wide

So, think twice before you cut anything on your land next time and pay attention to little signs of Nature. It might be helpful for you.