Ladies Tresses Orchid
This week I’ve found a few of these tiny wild orchids growing in the mowed paths at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT). The flower stalks are only about ten inches … Continued
Big Bluestem
Getting in close to look at the prairie grasses reveals bold colors and patterns. Big Bluestem and Indian Grass are the two most common grasses that you will see in … Continued
Indian Grass
The tufts shown here are the seed heads of Indian Grass. Indian Grass is the most common prairie grass at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT).
Prairie Dock
3-inch blossoms are appearing on the top of tall stalks on this prairie wildflower. The flower stalks grow up to 10 tall and it has huge leaves at the base.
Purple Coneflower
Patches of these wildflowers can still be seen now in the plantings around the PGT visitor center and along the edges of the prairie.
Hummingbird in Spider Web
Refilling our hummingbird feeders this week, Lorna noticed a bird flopping around, caught in a spider’s web. Gently lifting the bird, she removed the web, and it flew away unharmed. … Continued
Monarch Caterpillar
Swamp Milkweeds are one of the last milkweeds to bloom. I found some on the bank of the Lotus Ponds yesterday and on it I found a Monarch caterpillar stretching … Continued
Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly
Yesterday on a walk around Potter’s Lake I saw a Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly feeding on a thistle. Native thistles and asters are rich sources of nectar for butterflies in late … Continued
Bluestem Panorama
The colors and pattern created by his prairie grass caught my eye. Big Bluestem and Indian Grass are the two most common grasses that you will see in the prairies … Continued