A tour of the property

I’ve already showed the area I’m mostly focusing on at the end of How I got started, but here is the rest:

This is the other side of the driveway from the gravel pile, the 30′ bank with woods on top.

So, returning from the south end of the property, on the driveway which continues to other cottages, looking back at ours. The bank is to the left, the beach to the right.

A ravine cuts into the bank.

The bank closer to our cottage. Far right you can see English Ivy which started out by the cottage has spread about 60′ and covers the bank but not the woods on top.

The bank closer to our cottage. Myrtle.

The woods on top of the bank. A utility right-of way means no trees will be allowed to grow here.

The woods on the bank behind the cottage. Myrtle which was in one small spot 35 years ago has spread.

Day lilies used to grow under this native Black Willow, but when the Norway Maple muscled in, the plants dwindled to this.

Creek on the north end, looking towards woods. Lots of Lily of the Valley, Solomon Seal, that’s a Tatarian Honeysuckle there. Norway Maples and Ailanthus dominate.

Up the creek a few feet, Hemlocks, English Ivy, and Myrtle dominate.

Same creek, looking towards beach. This was all Black Swallowwort, with Ailanthus , Multiflora Rose, and Norway Maple, all of which I have removed.

Farther into the same view. Few invasves were here, with mostly Virginia Creeper, Hedge Bindweed, Bedstraw, and Spotted Jewelweed (large bushes).

Right next to the Jewelweed, Bedstraw gone by, and a bit of creeper.

From there, looking south along the part of the beach we use. Lawn to the right.

Continuing south, looking from dock. Notice all the trees in the area I’m focusing on, beyond the boats.