Seeds...and Those Seedlings

For the past week or so, I've gone out to walk the yard and have begun to collect seeds. Today, I went out to collect more...but each time I do, I have to remind myself that I've yet to plant those seedlings that I grew from seed this spring. Maybe this post will get me motivated. :)

By letting the natives seed themselves (and helping them along by winter sowing them) I'm bending the competition in their favor. At the same time, I have tried to prevent the invasives from going to seed...and for the most part I keep after them. This year, however, I've let the chicory go to seed among some others. I'm hoping they've yet to disperse their seeds, so that I can prevent an influx of new plants to join the two or three I've spotted so far.

Then there are the goldenrods that don't seem to need any help from me. They are a great late season source of nectar (and beauty), but they are aggressive enough to seed themselves...and they have. By adding New England aster, other asters, native grasses, and other fall-blooming wildflowers among the goldenrod, I should be able to come up with a thing of beauty and substance.

I did, however,, collect seeds of lance leaf goldenrod (Solidago graminifolia) which is not as aggressive as some of the more common goldenrods. Lance leaf goldenrod was never a favorite of mine, but it has really grown on me over the past two years. There are several species of Solidago that have not yet appeared on their own that I'd like to add to the yard...however, I've yet to look for a source. One that I know I'd like to add is the zigzag goldenrod Solidago flexicaulis that seems to do well in the dappled shade of woodlands.

I've begun to get more and more into growing wildflowers from seed. I just have to get back into planting what I've grown! I've been wanting to add a mini-meadow nearer the house so I can see it (and what it attracts) from the window. Deciding on and preparing a site has been the main hold up...and perhaps a bit of laziness on my part.

I was surprised to see that a few of the first year seedlings actually bloomed--I have to wonder if I'd got them planted in the ground if they'd have done even better. Being perennials, I should have a much better show next year.

*Early* Snowfall

I'm used to seeing snow flurries or even the rare dusting of snow around Halloween, but this is ridiculous--around 6 inches of snow. With leaves still on many trees, there is a good chance of limbs weighed down with snow breaking under the pressure. I went out twice yesterday to shake the snow from our dogwood trees. Each time they sprang back to their normal positions.

Early yesterday morning, when the snow had just started, I ran out to get some pictures of the daisy fleabane (still going strong) with a covering of snow.

I'm not a big fan of winter, and am not looking forward to an early start--but I have to admit the trees are beautiful in the natural areas. I am more motivated than ever to grow more trees and shrubs on our property; I want that natural beauty in our own yard.

Daisy Fleabane

Erigeron--daisy fleabane, has become one of my favorites over the years. It is an annual and one of the earliest field flowers that I have. Although I think of them as early spring and summer flowers, this one robust patch is still blooming and looking as fresh as ever.

Immaculate Monarch

Although I included the monarch butterfly in my "Pollinators of All Different Stripes" post, I'd like to showcase it here. It looks brand new...perhaps it is newly eclosed from its chrysalis--and perhaps it is result of one of our very own caterpillars "born" and raised right here.

With so much rain for a week or two and too much to do lately, I never took the time to search for the chrysalises...maybe next year I'll get a shot of one of those beauties.

More Pollinators of All Stripes...

Fall Day Diversity

With highs in the low 50s today, I was surprised to see such a variety of insects out on the asters and goldenrod. Although some of the bumblebees I encountered seemed sluggish, others were quite actively buzzing from flower to flower. There was a lone butterfly among the numerous of other insects.

Unexpected Surprise

There has been a lot going on around here with the start of the school year, seven straight days of rain last week, and, mostly, some much needed improvements to the house, so, I've had little time to enjoy the yard, work in the yard, or post here. Today, while walking outside, I was about to pull a fallen leaf off of one of the witch hazels I put in a couple of years ago, when my brain finally made sense of an odd colored blob nearby that turned out to be a cool little (tree) frog (I think).

So, I had to go in for the camera...and I had to post.