Hi River Roaders,

It’s the first day of June, and summer is almost here. Let’s see what’s happening this week on our grounds.

Our entrance sign with fleabane flowers.

I will always associate our grounds with the shadbush (Amelanchier sp.) which once lined our Memorial Garden. They are known by many names, including serviceberry (in the north you could hold funeral services because the ground would be unfrozen when this tree was blooming), shadbush (shad run in the rivers when the tree is blooming), and juneberry, which should be evident from this picture taken two days ago.

I always enjoy “finding” new plants on our grounds, such as these Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis) that are hidden in the middle of the garden behind the handicapped parking.

I also “found” this beardtongue (Penstemon sp.) in flower in Springsview Garden. The fact that it’s still blooming probably means that it is not a favorite for deer.

A likely spicebush swallowtail that appears to have a bite taken from it’s tail. We have many spicebush in Springsview Garden.

I was struck by these sumac trees (Rhus sp.) growing behind our property. I felt like I needed to listen to some Jimmy Buffet.

One of our resident rufous-sided towhee getting ready to take a bath.

Our website gets buggy sometimes.

I hope everyone is enjoying the miracle of the 17 year cicadas. The female cicadas are emerging and the volume of singing is increasing from the tree tops. Find a favorite place to sit and listen to them!

Joe