Friday, September 24, 2010

Wonderful Wildflowers of Fall


Goldenrod

Ironweed
Magnificent colonies of beautiful goldenrod and sprinklings of purple ironweed are blooming all along America's highways and byways at this time of year. I was delighted when ironweed/Veronia gigantea volunteered in the garden in contrast to the goldenrod. Thank you birdies, my most probable benefactors. 
Swamp Sunflower
You may also notice stands of Helianthus augustifolius, yellow daisy-like flowers, commonly called swamp sunflowers.

 
Wild Ageratum/Floss Flower
Floss flower is now in its prime also. 


There is some in my garden around the pool.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
Although it is not a wildflower but just as carefree, Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is making a show.

Hibiscus
I moved the tender hibiscus and lantana to the sunniest, warmest location to encourage continued bloom.

Lantana

Cypress Vine/Ipomea quamoclit



Hummingbirds passing through can continue to feed on the abundant cypress vine, a wild morning glory.


Turtlehead
Perched on the pink turtlehead/Chelone lyonii   is a praying mantis ready to snap up a meal.


We seldom see or hear the barred owl, but about 4:30 this morning I heard him just outside my bedroom window in the dogwood tree. Once you watch the video and hear his call, he is easily recognized by call alone. I'm glad to know he is still out there somewhere.






May all your weeds be wildflowers.

3 comments:

  1. I watched the owl video... nice trees... and then the hooting owl... and then when it got to the close up shots... I thought OMG what kind of camera are you using.

    And then the penny dropped.

    Good photos, all the same.

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  2. Thank you for posting the owl call. Now I know the one I often hear in our woods is the Barred Owl! Awesome...

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  3. Hi Donna, Love that owl.... And your Fall flowers are so pretty... I wondered what those yellow ones were. I've seen them all over the place.

    We just got back from a great trip to Kentucky...

    Hope you all are doing well.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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