September Prairie

This evening Rog and I found a few minutes to walk the mowed path through the prairie.  Currently the prairie is  a sea of asters and goldenrod.

We didn't notice any signs of wild parsnip - Bethany and Brendan must have prevailed against it earlier this summer.

Goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for fall allergies.  I am so glad this is a desirable native plant here- we have enough to battle with wild parsnips, buckthorn, burdock and thistles!

Blue bottle gentian is abundant right now, but the creamy gentian is pretty much finished blooming.

There are a few rose-colored  gentian, apparently resulting from a   cross between the  blue and creamy.

The  highbush cranberries are spectacular.

Dogwood berries.

The wild grapes are also gorgeous - ready to be harvested for wine.

We met an argiope spider that has chosen to live in the wilds of the prairie rather than the civilized garden.

I took lots of photos of sumac leaves because they are so pretty right now - but I will only subject you to a few.

Most of the fall colors  are currently due to the sumac, but I am afraid everything  else is close behind.

Can't hep but love them, though.