Category Archives: wildflowers

goodbye to summer

the last paintbrush in the meadow

The transition to autumn has begun. Late summer wildflowers are fewer and smaller, many have gone all to seed with no blooms left. Aspens leaves are turning golden yellow and contrast beautifully with the greens of the conifers. The broadtail hummingbirds are leaving the area and will be remembered fondly until next spring. Their rival, rufous, is long gone. Nights are very cool and mid-days warm. I want to write that it’s my favorite time of year, but in January I may contradict that when I proclaim my love for winter.

hummingbird farewell

wild lily of the valley

wild lily of the valley

A small plant which grows in patches around my home. The wildflower guide book says to 2 feet high, but the key word is “to”. Most around my home are six to eight inches high with a long cluster of tiny white flowers lasting briefly in early June.

It’s been a cool June so far with rain and low temperatures. The cloudy days are just right for photographing wildflowers.

pasque flowers or mountain crocus

pasque flowers

pasque flowers

These wildflowers are among the first to bloom in the spring in my area. Second only to a minute white wildflower around my house. These are a bit larger- generally 2 to 5 inches tall. I am happy to be able to join everyone celebrating spring with muddy knees and wildflower photography.