Copper Iris
Copper Iris, Iris fulva This attractive wild iris is coming in to full bloom now. Look carefully and you’ll find it in shady areas along the edges of the ponds … Continued
Water Lily
Water Lily, Nymphaea odorata One of my favorite wildflowers. A few started blooming this week at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT). They will continue to bloom until Fall.
Baltimore Oriole
Baltimore Oriole, Icterus galbula For the first few weeks that the orioles are back I hear them singing in the treetops everywhere. Then, after they’ve established territories and have started … Continued
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio glaucus I’ve been seeing a lot of butterflies at the PGT this week, including this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Here it’s feeding on some Phlox.
May Day
May Day We are having some perfect days. With the recent rains and warm weather the vegetation is lush.
Indigo Bunting
Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea Suddenly this week I’m hearing Indigo Buntings everywhere at the PGT. It seems like most of the migratory birds are back.
Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida A few dogwood trees are still in bloom, though the majority have already finished flowering. This year, Spring arrived earlier than usual.
Spring Forest
Forest above Hiller’s Creek The forest is almost entirely covered in foliage as the leaves have nearly emerged. Many trees, like the oaks above Hiller’s Creek, are now in bloom.
Blue Flag
Blue Flag, Iris virginica This native Iris has just started blooming. It likes wet feet. so look for it along the edges of streams, ponds and lakes.