Heart-Shaped Flower

It wasn't until I looked closely at this image that I saw that the center of the flower is in the shape of a heart. Just what I needed to see today. 

Fall Birds

We are seeing now a combination of migratory and local birds now. This morning, in the backyard alone, I saw a White-Throated Sparrow, Black-Capped Chickadee, Nashville Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow, and Cardinal. These are only a fraction of the birds we see at our farm. Planting hundreds of native flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees at our farm is truly making a difference and drawing a wider diversity of birds here!

Migrating Monarchs

The monarch migration continues. Every day when I look outside at the backyard, there are at least a dozen monarchs I can count. Some may be making their way through our yard and stopping for nourishment along the way. Others may be staying for a while, not sure when their next opportunity to "fuel up" is possible. 

I wish that more people would plant a monarch waystation with a diversity of plants for them to feed upon as they make their long journey south to Mexico. 

Monarchs are Migrating

The monarchs are migrating now and are spending a lot of time on the blazing stars - one of the many native plants we have at the farm. This is the first year that I have noticed so many monarchs in the fall. What also is interesting is that after they eat during the afternoon and early evening, the monarchs are roosting in the trees near the gardens. I have never seen this before. What a joy!!

Monarchs and Swamp Milkweed

I was happy to see the swamp milkweed blooming this year. I had put some dormant plants out in the west pasture last year in the spots where there were depressions in the soil left by the horses' hooves. Surprisingly, the plants came up this year and are doing well. The monarchs (and the bees!) are loving the milkweed.

It was also nice to see that there are monarch caterpillars on the common milkweed. Pretty soon, there will be a chrysalis and a new butterfly!

Ironweed and Prairie Onion

The purple native wildflowers are blooming prolifically! The Ironweed in the west pasture is attracting the Swallowtail butterflies while the Prairie Onions in the gardens are providing meals for the bees.

Trio of Native Plants

Some of the native plants are in full bloom now - the prairie onions, butterfly weed, and monarda. A variety of bees are visiting each of them. My favorite bee is the bumblebee with its loud buzzing.

 

Thistle

As much as I dislike thistle, there are insects that benefit from this plant. The goal, though, is to cut these flowers off just before they start to go to seed. Otherwise, there will be even more patches of thistle which would not be good.

Wild Columbine

This columbine is a native plant and is both in our gardens and under the pine trees on the east side of the farm. They also can be seen in ditches unless the city does an early mowing and cuts them down. It's unfortunate when they do this. Not only are these plants cut, but native milkweed - which monarchs depend on - are also destroyed.

Prairie Smoke

The Prairie Smoke has moved to the stage where its plumes look like smoke. This is one of my favorite native plants. They are doing exceptionally well this year.

Eastern Bluestar

The Eastern Bluestar - a native perennial - is blooming. I love its delicate flowers and subtle blue coloring. 

Prom

 Olivia's final homeschool prom was tonight at the Dellwood Country Club. We both liked the natural area behind the clubhouse which had a variety of rocks and flowers.  

Native Plants in Winter

We leave the native plants up in the winter to provide a landing spot for birds and cover for wildlife. Many of the plants have seeds still in them that can be consumed during the winter. 

Milkweed Seeds

The milkweed seeds and fluff are ready to be carried off by the wind.

 

Black-Eyed Susans

 The Black-Eyed Susans were prolific along the Gunflint Trail. 

Widow Skimmer

 This is a widow skimmer - a type of dragonfly. It rested on this plant for quite a while.

Wild Monarda

The butterflies, hummingbirds, sphinx moths, and bees love wild monarda. It is very fragrant and colorful, and adds so much to the garden.

Coneflower

 The coneflowers are blooming. This one has speckles of pollen on the petals.

Rattlesnake Master

 This Rattlesnake Master was growing well at Loring Park in Minneapolis.