This “bunch” of flowers was rescued from an about to be mown roadside last year (we collected a small friend for it yesterday). In the wild it achieved maybe 2 feet in height – this year it is at least twice that. There are a number of forms of this plant which can vary from one foot to six feet tall – what will it achieve in 2021?
Two of the most important native flower groups to have in the garden (or anywhere) at the end of summer are Asters and Solidago (Golden Rod). The look spectacular too. Here they are showing their best in the early morning.
EXIF details
Coming in to land on New England Aster flowers – the number of Monarch butterflies have been reduced this year – apparently because of weather problems in central Mexico where they over-winter and then prolonged and cold winds from the north in spring that made sure many never made it back north of the Great Lakes. Some got here though and now the return migration has begun.
EXIF details
Birds are starting to gather and groups and head south before the cold arrives. This was one member of a group of juvenile American Robins (you can tell their age by the spotty chest) that arrived in one of our rowan trees to flop around and snack on a few berries. Scruffy creature.
Coprinopsis lagopus – popping up form a heap of wood chippings in town. These fruiting bodies (aka: mushrooms) last only a few hours before dissolving into a black ink. The vague resemblance of the young fruit body to the paw of a white rabbit has apparently earned this species it’s common name. Anyway, eye-catching.
A gathering – no social distancing here – of immature Oncopeltus fasciatus – Large Milkweed Bugs. Quite an impressive collection – the orange sttod out from a distance and I at first thught I was seeing an unusual flower until I got closer.
In spring and late summer/autumn there is a ten minute moment at the end of the day when the setting sun shines at a low angle between houses across the street and illuminates the trees in our garden. It’s hard to capture thIs transient effect, but this is close to it. Goes well with a glass of something.
The larger-than-it-looks plot beyond the young trees is the Garden at Fritz (the young trees are part of the Orchard at Fritz) is a volunteer scheme to grow vegetables for local food banks. When I am not taking photographs that often where you will find me – a therapeutic and useful activity for older people … younger people too if they would like to join us but sadly, they for the most part (there are exceptions) are not interested in helping the less fortunate members of the community. At least not if it means getting their hands dirty.
Very early morning beside the river – this town gets lots of sweaty joggers, with or without dogs, which is fine but where’;s the fun? This young lady plodded past me and then plonked down on the distant bench beside the river to read book – a much better lifestyle balance I think. Reward for effort.
Last year we rescued this wild New England Aster from a nearby roadside just before the verge was cut down to ground level. Planted in the lawn it got its roots down and flowered at just below waist height – about where they usually reach. This year its flowers are level with my eyes so I guess it likes its new home.
A late flowering native plant, attractive to insects but a sign that summer is winding down at last. Still hot out there but fall is not many weeks away.