The land fully “fleshes” out after Summer Solstice. In bright open areas, the flowers of summer come into their own. Hardly an inch of soil hasn’t been utilized by one plant or another.
In the photo above, red Monarda draws the eye amidst yellow Rudbeckia—common name Black-eyed Susan.
Now is the time for the Joe Pye to do their thing. All manners of pollinators are attracted to their effusive flower heads, especially Monarchs.
Long-deceased Cedar roots salvaged from the woods make fine garden sentinels.
The Cardinal flower, a supreme Hummingbird attractor, is a particularly vivid splash on the plantscape.
The Monarda and Bee Balm are also excellent pollinator attractors.
In the heat of summer, Secret Springs becomes a nearly impenetrable jungle, and the ponds (d)evolve into a squishy marsh.
Yuccas hold their white sale in July. The flower stalks have an impressive growth rate, seemingly growing inches a day.
Come early September, the exuberant floral parade begins to reverse course. The Goldenrod, Lobelia, and Wood Asters are the bridges to autumn.
You might even catch a glimpse of a wood nymph before the end of summer.
Next, see the transformation to autumn.