Neither of the native plants shown here have been encountered by us in the wild but we are well within their required climate zones. The white flowered Summer Sweet has expanded wildly in the gardens near the house where the Cardinal Flower continues but struggles. These two treasures needed to grow together so that the brightest red flower and the sweet smelling pure white flower could enhance each other. Transplanted last year, all three have survived and the size of this display will increase yearly if this site proves friendly. A huge patch of pine trees covers the hillside to the south of these plants. Late winter shade lingers here delaying snow melt. The raised lane traps water runoff meeting the moisture needs of both plants. Wire cages help us find these plants as Goldenrod also flourishes here. Some of that will be uprooted each year and at some point the cages will be removed. This planting is supposed to appear natural after all.
A drive to the back was made early to avoid the searing heat forecast for this afternoon. This Joe Pye Weed grows totally on its own with no help from us. This ground between the bedrock ridge and the flat meadow has never been farmed. Streams of water from the springs ooze along between sizeable rocks but a downhill run to the river does not exist. All of this water disappears into the gravel loaded glacial till that fills the flat areas. The two Fritillary butterflies display different markings suggesting that they are different species. We do not know their proper names.
This view looking eastward shows the rising ridge that contributes to our land's interest. Goldenrod flourishes here but all of these plants are on their own. We do not have the time to interfere and this ground is dangerous to walk on. Muddy depressions, jutting rocks and low growing vines almost guarantee a fall but still the pictures just had to be taken. Once more my luck prevails with the solid ground found.
This Boneset is another plant that is totally on its own. These flowers are a little past their prime so they fit right in. A late afternoon trip down the hill to fetch the garbage cans and get the mail will be quickly made but otherwise we are in for the day. Neither one of us can endure the heat anymore.
2 comments:
Yes, it has been a hot summer here, too. We've had drought, as well, but finally we're getting loads of much-needed rain. I couldn't blow up the photo much, but it looks like the butterflies are a Great Spangled Fritillary and an Aphrodite Fritillary. They're beautiful! I refer to this source for my Wisconsin butterfly IDs: https://bit.ly/3xDTOBH.
Thank you for the butterfly ID. We enjoy your visits and comments.
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