Q.What Are These Clusters?
These are sprouting up in clusters on the mulch I spread last season, around a small pond, under a flowering crabapple tree. They are adhered to the mulch, not loose orbs. Color ‘beige’, @ 1/4″ or less in diameter and some are opened. The ‘filling’ is a creamy white goo. Have you any idea what they are?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
That is one of many bird's nest fungi. Those "eggs" you see are the spore bearing surface.
These guys are very beneficial to soil, as they break down organic material into nutrients very fast.
If any fungi were to be considered a garden friend... these would be it. Please do not take steps to remove them, as they are difficult to rid, and doing so will, effectively, will cause harm to your plant.
I have found one of our articles pertaining to this little garden friend. This will give you a good read:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/fungus-lichen/birds-nest-fungus.htm
