With spring just around the corner, almost all of nature is focused on rebirth and new growth. But it struck me the other day when I found these two empty pipevine (Aristolochia littoralis) seed pods lying on the ground, that even nature has to dispose of the previous years no longer useful items in order for rebirth to occur. Besides the seed pods, the ground is littered with leaves that fell last anutumn and some deer are shedding their antlers. Many birds are in the process of molting their winter feathers to make way for their spectacular breeding plumage. The list could go on and on, but I think you get the point. Even though the seed pods are technically “trash”, their interesting shape and texture makes them quite attractive. It won’t be long before they are broken and degrading, but the vines will soon be in the process of making new ones. It’s all part of the cycle of life.