Hi River Roaders,

This week we’ll continue last week’s theme of summer blooms, as lots of our summer flowers are approaching full bloom.

The first goldenrod to bloom on our site is not surprisingly, Early Goldenrod (Solidago juncea).

We have several Blackberry Lilies (Iris domestica) behind the sculpture in the Memorial Garden.

Last spring we planted three Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) in the “floodplain” of Springsview Garden. I was pleasantly surprised to see our first flower this week. Pollinators are really attracted to these flowers (see blurry image of a small bee in the upper right).

Our first blooms of Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in Springsview Garden. We planted lots of these in the new pollinator garden off the plaza.

Almost every month, I discover a new plant on our site. This month I identified these Fringed Loosestrife (Lysimachia cilata) by our vegetable garden. I’m really grateful for the members of the Grounds Committee who planted this area when our new Fellowship Hall was built.

I believe this is the most common plant on our grounds. It has the most amazing name – Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea canadensis). See if you can find it next time you are on site.

Our Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is approaching full bloom.

A tasty bud of a Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) in Springsview Garden.

Another very common plant that most folks don’t notice is in full bloom this week. We have many White Avens (Geum canadensis) on our site. While the flowers are small, they host many pollinators. See if you can find some in your yard!

It’s really hot this week. If you want to get outside, I recommend you do it in the early morning.

Joe