I’m grateful to live near The Arboretum and to be able to observe and learn from the diversity of plants. On a recent walk, I was delighted to find several native perennials with colorful blooms.
I like the soft mauve color of Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum), and it was a special treat to see a Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on this one.
I also enjoyed finding several clumps of bright-purple Ironweed (Vernonia altissima).
However, my biggest surprise was a large patch of beautiful Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) near the bridge over the wetland area.
The shaded boardwalk surrounded by brilliant red blooms created a very special garden. If you live nearby, it’s worth a visit to see it.
Betty – the cardinal flower/lobelia photo is stunning!
Kathy, the flowers are even more so. Hope you can see them.
Those cardinal flowers are remarkable; they really pop out in the shade. What a gorgeous spot that is! I walked at the arboretum this morning and realized that I need to find the time to have a nice slow wander over there. Thanks for the photos.
Ann, glad you are getting over for walks – fast or slow. I find the slower I go the more I see.
I really like these photos Betty, beautiful blooms and a beautiful butterfly.
The photo with the Ironweed in the foreground could be a Jersey scene, such
lovely green countryside, and the Lobelia Cardinalis is such a striking plant. What a wonderful display of summer flowers!
Pauline, good to know we have similar green countryside scenes even though an ocean apart.