Bright golden cup plant flowers rise above my head and gleam in sunlight. Barn swallows squeak, trill and skitter as they swoop low over the ground in daredevil flips. It's a near-perfect day with a high of about 78 degrees, sunny skies dotted with clouds and a gentle breeze to fan the bugs away.
The grounds are ablaze in raucous summer color! From long rows of cherry, mauve and pink impatiens at the Arboretum entrance, to the annual gardens in many shades of red, orange, yellow, limey greens and princely purples, the Arboretum is a treat to behold.
The entrance to the Arboretum is illuminated by long rows of cherry, mauve and pink impatiens.
Lavender alliums are also in bloom throughout the gardens — including atop the green roof on Building C near the Marion Andrus Learning Center. Multiple stems rise from a central clump and each flower stem is topped with a single globe of lavender flowers. There are several varieties of alliums native to Minnesota and they are edible. Green roofs such as these can help reduce the “heat island” effects of development and clean the air. They can also provide nourishment and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Green roofs like the one found on Building C near the Marion Andrus Learning Center reduce the “heat island” effect in developed areas.
Wild cucumbers are in bloom, too, but these are not so edible. When the tiny white flowers have fallen off the vines, the fruit that forms is covered in spines. As it dries, the seeds fall to the ground, leaving a dried fibrous pod that looks like a miniature loofah. I catch a glimpse of blue lobelia on the prairie floor.
Two months ago, staghorn sumac plants were tipped with red berry stalks. Those are now gone, but smooth sumac’s fuzzy berries are just hitting their scarlet peak. These are high in Vitamin C and are often made into a tart but delicious red tea. There is a poisonous sumac, but very easily differentiated, since its berries are white to pale green.
Right nearby, wild prairie roses have lost their petals and their fruit is swollen into rose hips. Before they dry out, the bright red, fleshy berries make a lovely jam. Once dried, the rose hips make a tea that is also high in Vitamin C.
Staghorn sumac berries and the dried rose hips of wild prairie rose are both high in Vitamin C.
Purple coneflowers are blooming everywhere and bees and butterflies check them for nectar. Monarchs nectar on spires of purple liatris and fluffy heads of Joe Pye weed that release a sweet scent into the air.
Wild phlox are also releasing their spicy aroma. Spotted horsemint, or Monarda punctata, are displayed in the Prairie Garden. Their unusual flowerheads are stacked atop each other. The flowers are small, yellow petals with purple spots. Below them are bracts that resemble leaves but are creamy white to pink. The actual green leaves are near the base of the plant.
Purple coneflower, purple liatris and spotted horsemint light up the landscape at the Arboretum.
Nearby, a goldfinch in its black and yellow suit splashes in the little stream. Song sparrows serenade us, peewees sing their names, chickadees call and finches chortle their tunes. Hope you make it out here to enjoy a perfect day at the Arboretum, too!
Mary Beth Pottratz is a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer. More information about the program is available at on their website.