Summer Blooms

It's gotten cooler the last couple of days and we've been delighted to turn-off the AC, open some windows and spend time outdoors for fresh air, exercise and chores.

From our walk yesterday morning there is stiff goldenrod, wild bergamot (bee balm), black-eyed Susans and flowering turkey foot (big bluestem)….

 

Wildflower Blooms

Several years ago we reduced the size of our turf grass in the yard and seeded a bunch of native plants. It takes several years for these plants to establish themselves and we just noticed, yesterday afternoon, that the ‘upland’ location (where the ancient farmhouse foundation is buried) is putting-on its own fireworks display. 

 

I figure as summer progresses more are going to pop. 

 

Here's what we got blooming so-far.  

 

Bee Balm (Wild Bergamot), Black-Eyed Susan, False Sunflower (Ox Eye), Motherwort, Pale Purple Coneflower and Feverfew (Wild Quinine).

 

 

 

Wildflower Walk

From our walk the other day the flowers of late summer and early autumn were showing-off.

Bergamot (bee balm)

Stiff goldenrod

Big bluestem (turkey foot)

And compass plant (as high as an elephant's eye)

Black-Eyed Susans

 

Herbal Pollinator

Wild bergamot - Monarda fistulosa - AKA Horsemint or Bee Balm.  These lavender flowers attract many insects and are terrific in native pollinator habitat. 

It also plays an important role in folk medicine, history and cooking.  It was used to make an infusion by the Oswego Indians (Oswego tea) and was adopted by early European settlers following the Boston tea party in 1773.  The common name - bergamot – is associated with its citrus flavor that is very similar to the bergamot orange used to flavor Earl Grey tea.  

It is a terrific addition to oil used to cook fish and shellfish and has medicinal properties useful in the treatment of colds, reducing fever, soothing sore throats, headaches, insomnia and menstrual cramps.   The plant contains thymol which imparts antibacterial and antiseptic properties useful in the treatment of infections. 

Bee Balm

Wild bergamot - Monarda fistulosa - also called Horsemint or Bee Balm.  These lavender flowers attract many insects and are terrific in native pollinator habitat. 

It also plays an important role in folk medicine, history and cooking.  It was used to make an infusion by the Oswego Indians (Oswego tea) and was adopted by early European settlers following the Boston tea party in 1773.  The common name - bergamot – is associated with its citrusy flavor that is very similar to the bergamot orange used to flavor Earl Grey tea.  It is a terrific addition to oil used to cook fish and shellfish and has medicinal properties useful in the treatment of colds, reducing fever, soothing sore throats, headaches, insomnia and menstrual cramps.   The plant contains thymol which imparts antibacterial and antiseptic properties useful in the treatment of infections. 

It also makes a lovely floral display at the base of deer stands.

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa - Wild Bergamot.  AKA Horsemint or Bee Balm.  

click on image to enlarge

A member of the mint family it is used in folk medicine as a tea.  A small citrus tree called Bergamot also has a similar odor and is used as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea.