White sweet clover. Our sponsor this evening.
Have you ever smelled one of these? It is heavenly.
Today was the day to document everything wild that is blooming around the pond. You need to grasp the tenacity of these plants. For decades, the land around the pond was in shadow. There were 25 ash trees, some maples, pines and spruce and cedar and balsam, all delivering a solid shady environment. Around 5 years ago, the ash trees succumbed to the Emerald Ash Beetle and what was shady became sunny. Little did we know that the seeds of dozens of wildflowers were laying latent, waiting for a little sunshine.
So far this spring, the mayflowers, trilliums, jack-in-the pulpits and maybe a dozen other flowers have come and gone. This evening, there were mostly yellow and white wildflowers blooming. Or, if you want to get specific - sulphur.
Sulphur Cinquefoil.
Black Medic is very tiny. I wondered why someone would name it medic? Here is what I found out: Every 100g black medic leaves contain around 23g of protein and around 25g of fiber, making this herb an amazing source of protein and fiber. Due to its fiber contents, this herb can help promote a healthy digestion system. This plant also has a mild laxative effect, making it a great natural remedy for constipation.
I may need to rethink my attitude towards this plant.
Daisies are coming to the end of this year's bloom. Someone thinks I can't see them as they eat their supper.
Every time I check out the pond, I try to find the tadpoles. Most of the time, the reflection is too intense to take a good picture. It's my lucky day! Look! Eyes open. No front legs yet, but the back ones are growing nicely.
St. John's Wort. It's like they took all the stamens when they were handed out.
I don't remember this plant from previous years. It likes the wetter area of the yard.
And, the gift that keeps on giving: elderberries. I need to research elderberry recipes. Looks like we will be having a bountiful crop.
elderberry syrup
elderberry liqueur
elderberry pie
elderberry jelly
elderberry jam
Oh, I could look at this image all day. Blueberries. Not so blue yet, but so beautiful! They look like they all decided to wear their new fashionable dresses, the ones with the frilly collars.
I counted four frogs in two ponds. The most we've seen this year is 5. A far cry from the 22 of two years ago. Maybe when those tadpoles mature things will be different.
I never really looked closely at pink clover. Alsike clover. Edible. Might have to try that. We already dry our own mint tea and horsetail tea. Clover tea on a hot winter's night. Nothing like a little variety.
Leaves and flower heads can be consumed raw or cooked. A healthy tea is made from the dried flower heads. The dried flower heads and seeds can be ground into a nutritious flour.
All the time my camera and I were looking for flowers, we had a cheery companion following us. This is one of three or four pairs of house wrens in the yard. One for each area. That way they don't have to fly too far to sing for us. And, doesn't it look like its mother tested out her stitching skills on its wings? Even stitches. They have to be even!
I thought that they were the only birds in the neighbourhood tonight. My Merlin app enlightened me: House wren, American Crow, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Pine Warbler, Blue Jay. Not bad for bedtime for birds.
It will be interesting to document the next wave of wildflowers in a month or so. Sunshine has brought some interesting floral surprises in the gardens. But, it won't stop the seasons from progressing. Enjoy your summer because .......
“Live in each season as it passes;
breathe the air,
drink the drink,
taste the fruit,
and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”
Henry David Thoreau, Walden
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