Intricate

It's amazing how many intricate details go unnoticed everyday. I thank photography and blip for opening my eyes to some of them. Also can anyone tell me why this photo is so grainy? I took it with a Nikkor 28-105 mm at f/8.0, an exposure time of 1/125, and an iso of 200. Just got the lens and seems like everything I take with it has come out grainy. I didn't use the hood though. Maybe that has something to do with it? Any advice or comments would be very helpful! I'm still kind of new at this and I have SO much to learn. :)