A Success

Again, only a Hort geek would get excited over this, but out in the field today I discovered a Vernonia (Ironweed) volunteer growing.  This is a tall purple native wildflower that tends to grow in or near wetlands or prairies, and is desirable for pollinators and butterflies.  To most people it would look like just a weed, but to me it represents validation of my efforts to create a healthy natural environmental area.

Wait long enough, and nature eventually repairs the damage we’ve done by restoring itself to more natural habitats that can support endangered native wildlife.  Install enough aggressive natives, and they’ll slowly push out the harmful exotic invasives that choke out beneficial species.  Anyway, that’s my good news for a change.

It was another scorcher of a day, so naturally I grilled.  Flowers continue to thrive in the hot sun.  Each morning I try to get out and work on garden maintenance while it’s bearable, in anticipation of the real work ahead of me as fall approaches.  That’s when all the native wildflowers I grew from seed will finally be planted in their permanent meadow home, and all the sickly veg beds will get some serious restoration.

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