The landscape along the Mississippi levee was ablaze with the beautiful, vibrant colors of a variety of wildflowers this past weekend. No matter which direction you looked, the scenery was breathtaking.
“Spring is a whimsical wanderer, blooming beauty along her path”. ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
A recent leisurely walk in a wooded park on a warm, sunny afternoon revealed ample evidence that springtime is finally here.
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~Mark Twain
In autumn, the landscape is dotted with the vibrant golden-yellow blooms of goldenrod, a wildflower that grows in fields and along roadways. One insect that is commonly attracted to goldenrod is the goldenrod soldier beetle, or Pennsylvania leatherwing. Adult soldier beetles feed on the pollen and nectar, and forage along the flowers for insect eggs and aphids. The flowers also serve as a place for them to meet and mate.
“There’s something about autumn that wakes up our senses and reminds us to live … ” ~Unknown
Here are a variety of wildflowers which pepper the fields and country roads in our area during the spring and summer months. Wildflowers not only brighten the landscape, but also provide habitat for birds and insects and food for many animals.
“Flowers are the music of the ground
From earth’s lips spoken without sound.”
~Edwin Curran
A leisurely drive along the Mississippi levee at this time of the year never disappoints. One of my favorite sightings this month was several Ruby-throated hummingbirds darting in and out among the red clover. We sat and watched their playful activity for some time. No photos, but clear, beautiful images in my mind.
“Memory … is the diary that we all carry around with us.” ~Oscar Wilde
Bright-yellow Bulbous Buttercups are in full bloom in the fields and along the roadsides of West Tennessee. These non-native plants are considered wildflowers by some — and invasive and noxious weeds by others. Although they add beauty to the landscape, they also compete with native plant species and are mildly toxic to livestock.
“I’ve learned … that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.” ~Unknown
