Out and about this Labor Day weekend, always seems like this is the last weekend of summer, though the calendar insists otherwise. But studying the prairie signs on this morning’s hike, everything looks very fall-ish. Seeds are turning dark and scattering, the asters are beginning to show purple, berries are ripening, and the leaves are turning a soft shade of brown.
Simply Marigolds
“Biscuit” Amaranth
This ‘Biscuit’ Amaranth was just one of thousands of plants on display at the University of Wisconsin – West Madison Agricultural Research Station as they held their Annual Field Day. Trial fields of annuals, perennials, native grasses, vegetables and fruits were on display. Gardening tips and problem shooting were provided by the Master Gardeners of Dane County.
Balloonflowers
This softly focused flower photo seems to capture the spirit of this flower for me. Soft and beguiling. The balloonflower, named after a balloon because the unopened flower looks like a tiny inflated balloon.
I wrote a poem, kinda clutzy, last summer about this flower.
Flower Balloon
garden plants, tightly closed bud,
blues burst forth, flower as the balloon pops open
hardy
long-lived
dependable
bursting balloons make children cry
and adults scrambling to dry flowing tears
not so in the garden
this flower makes me happy
reminding me of you
hardy
long-lived
dependable
love, too, bursts forth in all its glory.
Black-Eyed Susans
Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there. ~ Thomas Fuller, Gnomologia, 1732
I think Thomas Fuller made a very true observation.
Since it is raining, with some much needed rain, thought I would post some sweet Susans from my backyard garden. A touch of sunshine in these ladies, no matter how inclement the weather.