Prairie in Full Bloom
PGT – Edge of Potter’s Lake This photo gives a good sense of how many wildflowers are blooming right now at the Prairie Garden Trust. The mix of colors and … Continued
A Flash of Scarlet in the Summer Garden
Royal Catchfly, Silene regia While many wildflowers are blooming at the Prairie Garden Trust this summer, few are as striking as the Royal Catchfly. With such a bold red, it’s … Continued
Halloween Pennant Dragonfly
Halloween Pennant Dragonfly, Celithemis eponina Summer at the Prairie Garden Trust is the perfect time to spot butterflies and dragonflies. This striking species—Celithemis eponina—is easy to recognize by its orange-and-black … Continued
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris I never get tired of watching hummingbirds. They move so fast and hover so precisely, they almost don’t seem real. And when the sunlight hits just … Continued
Gray-headed Coneflower in Full Bloom
Gray-headed Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata There’s a strong showing of Gray-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) in the prairies at the Prairie Garden Trust right now. I’ve been seeing more blooms than usual … Continued
Rose Gentian (Sabatia angularis)
Rose Gentian, Sabatia angularis Right now, the Prairie Garden Trust is at peak bloom. There are millions of wildflowers in all shapes and colors—and among the most eye-catching is the … Continued
Bumble Bees: The Pandas of the Insect World?
Bumble Bee, Bombus sp. This year, I’ve seen more bumblebees than butterflies—or even honeybees. With their fuzzy bodies and gentle buzz, they remind me of panda bears: endearing, slightly clumsy, … Continued
Wildflowers in Bloom – and the Butterflies Know It
Papilio cresphontes, Liatris pycnostachya The Prairie Blazing Star is just beginning to bloom – perfect timing for the PGT Butterfly Walk this Saturday. Here, a Giant Swallowtail pauses for nectar, … Continued
American Lotus in Bloom
American Lotus, Nelumbo lutea Yesterday, I saw the first American Lotus blossoms of the year—enormous, luminous flowers native to much of the United States. It’s hard to believe something this … Continued
Butterfly Walk at Prairie Garden Trust
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus Butterfly & Dragonfly Discovery Walk Saturday, July 12 | 10 AM – Noon Led by Dr. Gabe McNett, Entomologist, Westminster College Join us for a … Continued