Tag: Quilled Sweet Coneflower

DOWN THE GARDEN PATH

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

monarch-new-england-aster-coneflower-copyright-kim-smithThe New England Asters and Quilled Coneflowers blooming in our garden during the months of September and October were planted to provide sustenance for migrating Monarchs. Although both are native wildflowers, the bees and butterflies visiting gardens at this time of year are much more interested in nectaring at the New England Asters.

Plant the following four native beauties and I guarantee, the pollinators will come!

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)

Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

Marsh Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

monarch-butterfly-depositing-egg-milkweed-copyright-kim-smithFemale Monarch curling her abdomen to the underside and depositing eggs on Marsh Milkweed foliage.

Thee Autumn Blooming Beauties

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Henry Eiler's Sweet Coneflower ©Kim Smith 2013 copyHenry Eiler’s Sweet Coneflower and Smooth Asters

Henry Eiler’s Sweet Coneflower is a North American native that bears the name of the southern Illinois horticulturist who found it growing at a railroad prairie remnant. When lightly rubbed, the leaves of Rudbeckia subtomentosa reveal their sweet vanilla scent.

For more about Quilled Sweet Coneflower see GMG post from last summer.

Hydrange paniculata grandiflora Pee gee Hydrangea ©KIM SMITH 2013Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora ~ PeeGee Hydrangea

If you double click the above photo, you’ll see little sprays of what looks like fairy dust but it is actually mist in the atmosphere!