An attractive hand rail.

Valley Gardener

My other half made me a handrail out of branches from the woods,as I dont like the disabled metal ones. So rustic it is!
How did these pretty patterns get there though? You wouldnt think ferns or leaves would be firm enough to leave an imprint.

SYinUSA

I believe it is some sort of insect larvae tunnels. Carpenter bees do this, though those seem too small for bees. 

Valley Gardener

@SYinUSA
Never thought it could be an insect,very interesting. I never saw the patterns when it was first put up. I hope they leave my flowers alone!😊

SYinUSA

The tunnels don't look fresh to me. If they are, there should be a pile of sawdust on the ground underneath. No sawdust, no worries! 

wild edges

Is the wood Ash? The Ash Bark Beetle makes tunnels like this. There are a few beetles that do the same but you can tell a lot by the type of wood and the pattern of the damage. The main cross tunnel is against the grain but the side tunnels go with the grain and they're all fairly straight.

Valley Gardener

I dont know what type of wood, as it was already fallen. I cant see any 'sawdust". Maybe Google will know?😁

SYinUSA

The point of the sawdust comment was to assure you that it's not an active infestation, so no worries about damage to your plants by having it close to your house. I am a little surprised that it is sturdy enough to use as a handrail. The bugs around here that do that kind of boring usually favor soft, rotting wood.

Valley Gardener

It gets replaced as and when, my OH makes sure its absoloutely solid. I dont think he wants to kill me off just yet.😕