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The mushrooms are nice... (no really, they are), but is it just me or is there a (not so) little something else or two to be impressed with in your images?

Would love to see that folder. I have been (slowly) doing the same thing. The more mushrooms I find, particularly in the greater Sydney area, the more I seem to be able to understand the council that is looking after that area. In my case (like many of us), I'm looking in woodchipped areas, which are obviously maintained by specific councils. Very interesting observing the repetition of mushrooms in particular council districts, and how they fade out and change into other species. I would love to know more about where each council gets its chips from - my best guess so far is that they primarily come from green waste within the same district... which would explain why certain mushrooms are so very prevalent in some areas (if my guess is right )

Yeah the lattice ball took me by surprise too - and there were so damn many of them (and the puff balls - the star looking thing). An insane number of stinkhorns too - many of them were huge, with totally intact inner membranes (kinda look like carbon fibre hex crumple zones). This is the first time I've seen a stinkhorn at such an early stage though - could never understand where the 'brown/grey stinky moisture came from until I saw a few like this. In regards to the black mushie, I would love an ID. At first I assumed it was an old dying something, but on closer inspection it seemed to be reasonably fresh; perhaps a day or two old at most. I have never seen a black mushroom quite like this before! I have to be honest that I am a little disappointed that I haven't found subs... my travels have been varied and specific to the characteristics of the genus (thanks very much to this site and the regular members who are always helpful). That said, what I have found has amazed me on many occasions. I look forward to becoming experienced in mycology... many years from now. Thanks for the comments guys - really thought many of you would enjoy one or two of these images - expect to see a few more!

Not fresh... if you dry them first (like VERY dry) you will go OK, but many will suggest that it is unnecessary. Light and oxygen (or air generally) are the main killers of the 'good bits' Totally dry and air tight will do a fine job. You might even want to do the air tight bit in batches, depending on consumption.

Well done Lost - nice specimens!

There aren't really many 'musts' to growing mushrooms. There are many ways to go about what you are asking, and yes, it would be possible to use takeaway containers, but not ideal. Sterilisation is a really basic process, primarily focused on temperature in this case. It is important not to have the temperature to high or too low, and a pressure cooker can help to control and maintain temperatures. From your questions, you have obviously done a bit of reading/research. A few hours poking around this and other sites will quickly reveal all you need to know. Much better to read full explanations and experiences than to get some quick answers.

Damn man! I don't know how you do it... yeah yeah, 'woodchips' Nice find!

Although a slightly unfair way to make the point (few of us would ID from a photo alone), I think the eagerness to be right and varience of answers here, highlight Hyphalknot's point very well. I'm more inexperienced than most here, and am in no real position to point out the dos and don'ts (I'm bound to make a bunch of mistakes in the near future...), but was genuinely concerned by the cavalier attitude to consuming mushrooms expressed in the post above. Other, more influencial readers browse the forums too.

http://www.erowid.org/library/books_online...ooms_aunz.shtml

Always good to be reminded by stories like this, especially from experienced members (and their gnomes). Thanks

Are you serious? "aren't likely to be..." and then you fucking ate them?!!! Educate yourself. Properly.

Nice series - interesting seeing the difference in age change each specimen. Curious if this is a spot you have found subs before - sounds like it could be a new spot for you? Thanks for sharing

Thanks Hyphalknot - all that you have said matched my thinking exactly (including the not eating ;) ) I have two printing now, which I plan to leave until tomorrow (based on them being older, I assume they will drop less spores). Also have a mycelium sample which I have sandwiched in damp newspaper/cardboard. Plan to introduce it somewhere appropriate (closer to home) and see what happens - at least that way I have a chance of fresh samples in the future... Any more comments welcomed - they all help my understanding.

It does, but are there particular signs that indicate to you that they aren't subs? Just trying to learn more, so any extra info is much appreciated!

Sorry... thought I should add that I also found these on the same pile of woodchips - different mushrooms altogether, but it may help with ID of the mushies above to know that these were also there...

Very much... now to find something worthy of spreading... I'm gonna get there one day damn it!

Thanks for this thread and the responses - didn't realise detailed and specific rainfall reports were this easy to come by for such varied regions. Very helpful indeed!

Can't help much with the ID, but wanted to mention how impressive that second shot looks! Nice haul! Interesting dome or bell shaped cap that they all seem to share until fully opened, sligtly different from most of the seasons finds thus far.

Awesome! Sounds like a great idea... oh wait... when you said 'Sina" you didn't mean me did you...

Nice images - helpful for us that are newer to hunting understand environments better - thankyou!

Guess I better get out and have a look around... will try not to be too much of an eager Sydney dweller. Thanks for the excellent info guys!