Yesterday there were the very first signs of Sanguinaria shoots pushing up through the cold earth. Today there are extensive clumps of green “fingers” and the first evidence of folded flowers. Almost there.
Not certain of the particular Aster species but it’s one of the small wild ones. These seed heads are a fraction of the size of the Ligularia illustrated here yesterday.
A large and sprawling pond-side plant with deep red leaves, yellow flowers and now these large pom-pom seed heads to be left standing as bird food in the winter.
This year has been superb for the several varieties of wild Asters – quite the best for a very long time.
The first of the garden milkweed seed pods has opened and a home was quickly established in the fluff by a Milkweed Bug, quietly going about his business.
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
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.
