Once the grass tops are tufted of seed, and the lake waters are sun warmed and sparkling, butterfly weed opens it’s sunset orange blossoms. This cousin of the common milkweed is much loved by butterflies. They are among a handful of plants monarch butterflies will use to host their young. These flowers are beautiful and essential.

Past riffle and rapid, brook trout bend, and fallen log junction, lies a sunny bank of the river where the lobelia flowers bloom. Also known as the cardinal flower, the richness of her red velvet petals are unmistakable. In late summer she blooms to the delight of the hummingbirds. A perfect sip for their slender beaks.

In the deep damp of the forest, where dappled light warms her roots, the wood poppy sings a song of golden yellow. Found in colonies, their fern-like leaves carpet the forest floor. In the spring time her delicate blossoms are borne on fuzzy stems. Her pollen rich flowers are an early treat for the bees.