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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
The Monarchs are finally starting to appear around the garden and in town. This one making the most of nectar form our New England Asters.
This may be the species that gave me a lot of grief a few weeks ago when I inadvertently disturbed a nest – but today they (there were a lot around) couldn’t care less about my presence as they worked the golden rod flowers. Treat with caution, but tbey are very attractive.
