https://naturegardenlife.com/2024/10/29/musings-on-a-patch-of-sunlight/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/orangesulphur3-1.jpgorangesulphur3An orange sulphur (Colias eurytheme), nectars on the last of the asters. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/orangesulphur3.jpgorangesulphur3An orange sulphur (Colias eurytheme), nectars on asters.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/autumnmeadowhawk2.jpgautumnmeadowhawk2An autumn meadowhawk dragonfly (Sympetrum vicinum) suns on our green wall. These dragonflies often remain active into November.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/asian-lady-bug2.jpgladybugAn Asian lady bug (Harmonia axyridia) suns itself among aster seed heads.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/greenbeeheli.jpggreen bee on heliopsisA green bee (Agapostemon ssp.) nectars on heliopsis 'bleeding heart.'https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ami-sunset-2024.jpegAMI sunset2024-11-01T00:59:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2024/06/22/baltimore-orioles/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/forioleaspen.jpgFemale Baltimore orioleFemale and immature male Baltimore orioles are sometimes difficult to tell apart.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/immoriolejelly2.jpgBaltimore orioleAn immature oriole feeds on grape jelly, one of their favorite foods.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/oriolenest.jpgBaltimore oriole nestFemale Baltimore orioles skillfully weave a hanging nest of natural and artificial materials, such as grapevine, hair, fishing line and twine. they may use wool, down from cottonwood trees or milkweed to line the nest.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/morioleaspen2.jpgMale oriole in aspenBaltimore orioles were named for the orange and black colors on the heraldic crest of the Baltimore family of England, for which the City of Baltimore, MD, is also named. 2024-10-30T02:35:41+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2024/05/06/mining-bees/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/andrenacherry-1.jpgMining bee & Canada cherryA mining bee (Andrena sp.) pollinates Canada cherry blossoms (Prunus virginiana, 'Canada Red').https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/andrena-scilla.jpgmining beemining bee on Scilla sibericahttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/andrenacherry.jpgMining bee & Canada cherryA mining bee (Andrena sp) pollinates chokecherry blossoms.2024-05-10T20:31:55+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2024/04/18/spring-blues/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/siberiansquill.jpgSiberian squill by ash treeSiberian squill (Scilla Siberica) grows under an ash tree in our backyard.2024-04-18T21:35:04+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2024/02/29/common-snowdrops-2/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_8086-1.jpegCommon snowdropsCommon snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) blossom early this winter.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/img_8086.jpegSnow dropsSnow drops bloom several weeks earlier this year.2024-03-09T01:14:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/12/16/ornaments-stir-memories-gratitude/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/red-apple-ornament-2-2.jpgRed apple ornament 2 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/poland-golden-orb-ornament.jpgPoland golden orb ornamenthttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/star-2.jpgstar 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/red-apple-ornament-2.jpgRed apple ornament 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/owl-gourd-ornament.jpgOwl gourd ornamenthttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bee.jpegbeehttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chickadee.jpegChickadee ornamentChickadee ornamenthttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/madonna-1.jpegmadonnahttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bens-crecheornament.jpegBen's crecheornamenthttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/madonna.jpegmadonna and child2023-12-17T02:54:43+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/11/21/november-sunset/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sunsetamethy.jpegAmethyst Sunsethttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/oakcrowns.jpegred oak crowns2023-11-23T15:38:18+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/10/24/common-milkweed-hidden-beauty/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/milkweedmon2-1.jpgmilkweed, monarch, small podsMilkweed plants are more common in urban gardens now.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/emptypod.jpgemptypodThe empty pod is satiny smooth except for the grooved central column where the seeds were attached.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/milkweedmon2.jpgmilkweed, monarch, small podsmilkweed, monarch, small podshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/freemwseeds.jpgfreemwseedsWind fluffs the silky strands into parachutes to disperse the seeds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/milkweed-podseedarrangement.jpgmilkweed pod/seed arrangementOval-shaped seeds attached to satiny strand are neatly arranged around a central column.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/babymilkweedpods.jpgBabymilkweedpodsTiny green pods arise from fertilized pink, aromatic flowers.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/milkweedmon.smpods.jpgmilkweed, monarch, small podsmilkweed, monarch, small podshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/milkweedopen-2.jpegMilkweed Open PodsGusty winds tease common milkweed seeds out of their pods.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/milkweedopen.jpegMilkweed Open PodsGusty winds tease common milkweed seeds out of their pods.2023-11-19T16:51:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/09/06/beyond-monarchs-and-viceroys/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fritillarythistle3.jpgFritillary:thistle3Faded colors and worn, jagged-edged wings indicate an elderly great-spangled fritillary nectaring on this thistle.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/white-violets.jpgCanada violetLeave a few violets tucked into your green so that fritillaries can lay their eggs on them in the fall and caterpillars will feed on them in the spring.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/common-violetsmagenta.jpgvioletGreat-spangled fritillary caterpillars, and many other fritillaries, only feed on violet species.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/fritillarythistle1.jpgfritillary:thistle1The faded colors and worn wings with jagged edges indicate an elderly fritillary nectaring on thistle.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/fritillary-dorsal.jpgFritillary-dorsalGreat-spangled fritillaries are common in Minnesota and easter North America from June into September.2023-10-23T15:03:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/10/01/autumns-bountiful-berries/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/falsesolomon.jpgFalse Solomon's SealFalse Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosa) are often pink spotted with red, but also can be solid red. They are eaten by woodland birds, such as the veery, and by white-footed mice.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/carrionflower.jpegSmilax ecirrhata S. WatsonThough carrion flowers (Smilax sp.)smell terrible, their berries don't smell and are winter food for songbirds and a few mammals, such as Virginia opossum and raccoons. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/highbushcran-1.jpegViburnum opulus L. -Munger Highbush cranberryHighbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus spp.) is not a true cranberry. According to the USDA's plant guide, the fruit isn't usually eaten until late winter when it has frozen and thawed several times, which makes it more palatable.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cornus-obliqua.jpegCornus obliquaSwamp dogwood (Cornus obliqua) berries are high in fat content and are eaten by songbirds and mammals, such as chipmunks, white-footed mice and squirrels.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/amerplum.jpegAmerican plumWild plum trees (Prunus americana) provide food for mammals such as deer, raccoons and foxes. Songbirds, turkeys and other birds will also eat them.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/graydogwood.jpegDogwood (Gray) Cornus racemosaMany migrating songbirds, as well as turkeys and grouse, favor the white berry-like drupes of gray dogwood.2023-10-23T15:02:48+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/10/07/signs-of-autumn/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/graydogwood.jpgVersion 2Gray dogwoods (Cornus racemosa) develop white berries and maroon leaves in autumn. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bwwarblerriver.jpgVersion 2A bladk-and-white warbler (Mniotilta variation) hunts insects in the river shallows.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/paintedladyclover.jpgVersion 2Painted lady butterflies are attracted to red clover, thistle and other autumn wildflowers.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bfhornetaster.jpgVersion 2A bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculate) drinks nectar from native asters.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bumblebeesunflower.jpgVersion 2A bumble bee (Bombus spp.) pollinates tall sunflower (Helianthus giganteus).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/basswoodleaf.jpgBasswoodleafhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/v-creepertree.jpgVersion 2Virginia creeper and lichens light up the trunk of an old silver maple tree.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/chippyacorn.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bur-or-mossycup-oak.jpgBur or Mossycup OakMossycup or bur oaks are a type of white oak (Quercus macrocarpa) prefer rich, moist soil.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/v-creeperwoodpile.jpgVersion 2Virginia creeper vines bring color to an old wood pile.2023-09-06T13:54:08+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/06/28/more-than-a-weed/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bsswallad-1.jpgBlack swallowtailThe underside of the hind wings are marked with bright orange and a dusting of blue.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bsswalldor-3.jpgbsswalldor-3Two rows of well-defined yellow spots help to distinguish the black swallowtail from other swallowtail species in our area.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bscater-1.jpgblack swallowtail caterpillarBlack swallowtail caterpillars feasts on bishop's weed, a member of the parsley family.2023-09-05T21:26:51+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/06/03/wild-roses/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rose-hips1.jpgrose hipsBright red rose hips decorate each plant until the following spring, or until eaten by wildlife.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wild-rosegreen-bee.jpgwild rose with green beeGreen bees are among the many native pollinators that visit roses. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/wild-rose-bud.jpgwild rose budWild rose buds (Rosa blanda) open in June.2023-06-04T12:11:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2023/01/01/rime-ice-new-years-eve/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rimeobelisk.jpgrimeobeliskRime ice's sharp needle-like crystals decorate a garden obelisk.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rimeboxwood2.jpgRime ice on boxwoodRime ice etches the evergreen leaves of boxwood shrubs.2023-01-17T16:47:49+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/12/08/winters-arrival/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/downyfemale2-1.jpgdownyfemale2A female downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) excavates for insect eggs and larvae in a dead portion of our apple tree.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/black-cappedchickadee-1.jpgblack-cappedchickadeeBlack-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) are high-energy winter residents in our backyard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/walkingpath2jpeg.jpegWinchell Trail, late afternoon.A quiet trail in Minneapolis, Minnesota, glows with fresh snow and late-afternoon sun.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/downyfemale2.jpgdownyfemale2A downy female woodpecker excavates a dead portion of our apple tree for insects.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/black-cappedchickadee.jpgblack-cappedchickadeeBlack-capped chickadees are high energy winter residents in our backyard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/winter-trail.jpegWinter trailFresh snow and late-afternoon sun light up a trail in Minneapolis, MN.2023-01-01T22:00:43+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/10/31/octobers-painted-lady/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/paintedlady-dor.jpgpainted lady dorsal bodyOrange with black markings and a few white spots on the wingtips identify the painted lady.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/paintedlady-und..jpgpainted lady underwingA painted lady's (Vanessa cardui) underwing sports four eyespots and pink splotches.2022-12-06T23:04:36+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/10/07/natural-wonder/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/redsquirrel.jpegredsquirrelWinter walks are a good time to look for tracks and the creature who made them, like this red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_5691.jpgExploring rocksTwo toddlers exploring rocks under their parents' watchful eyes. (They grew up to be nature lovers!)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/inthe-grden.jpegIn the gardenSummer days included checking the flowers and watching bees, butterflies and other garden insects.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/naturejournals.jpegnaturejournalshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/monarchcaterpillar.jpgmonarch caterpillarMonarch caterpillar (Danaus plexippus) on a common milkweed plant (Asclepias syriaca).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/watering-gardenjpg.jpgwatering gardenJPG"Watering the garden" was a favorite task at our house!https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hairy-woodpecker.jpgHairy woodpeckerA hairy woodpecker (Dryobates villous) hunts for insects on an old American elm tree stump.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/black-swallowtail.jpgblack swallowtailBlack swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes) and other butterflies are easy to show to children.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/maple-leaf.jpgmaple leafColorful tree leaves are a simple way to introduce nature to younger children.2022-10-31T15:18:48+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/09/17/green-darner-migration/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/greendarnersedum.jpgcommon green darner dragonflyAveraging 3 inches in length and with a wingspan of 3.5 inches, green darners are among our largest dragonflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/greendarnerfence.jpgGreen Darner-BCommon Green Darner (Anax junius)2022-09-17T15:39:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/08/20/hidden-music-maker/2022-09-02T22:33:47+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/07/15/only-this-moment/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/white-tailed-doe-quarry-hill3.jpegWhite-tailed doe at Quarry HillWhite-tailed doe (Odocoileus virginianus)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/white-tailed-doe-quarry-hill.jpegWhite-tailed doe Quarry HillWhite-tailed doe (Odocoileus virginianus2022-07-27T21:11:32+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/06/30/skimmer-dragonflies/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/widowskimmer.jpgwidowskimmerhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/12-spotttedskimmer-2.jpeg12-spotttedskimmer-2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/widowskimmer-male.jpgwidow skimmerwidow skimmer2022-07-15T22:05:36+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/04/21/seashore-early-morning/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/sanderlings-2.jpegSanderlingSanderlings (Calidris alba)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beach-dawn-2-1.jpegDune grasseshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/blanket-flower-2.jpegBlanket flowerBlanket flowerhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/blanket-flower-1.jpegBlanket flowerBlanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/dune-sunflower-1.jpegDune sunflowerWest coast dune sunflower(Helianthus debilis vestitus)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/seaside-gentian-1.jpegSeaside gentianSeaside gentian (Eustoma exaltatum)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/royal-terns-1.jpegTernRoyal terns (Thalasseus Maximus)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/sanderlings-1.jpegSanderlingSanderlings (Calidris alba)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/beach-dawn-1-1.jpegDawn at the beachEarly morning on a Gulf Coast beach in West Central Florida.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shells.jpegshells2022-06-30T16:01:45+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2022/03/25/kentucky-coffee-tree/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kentucky-coffee-tree-ripe-pod-1.jpegKentucky coffee tree podThe ripe seed pods contain several marble-sized seeds, which are toxic unless thoroughly cooked.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/green-pods-of-kentucky-coffee-tree-1.jpgKentucky coffee tree podsFemale Kentucky coffee trees develop large green pods that darken in late summer.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bark-of-kentucky-coffee-tree.jpgKentucky coffee tree barkThe scaly, craggy bark of Kentucky coffee trees sets them apart from trees with smooth, gray bark, such as basswoods and red maples.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/lake-nokomis-kentucky-coffee-tree-winter.jpegKentucky coffee treeKentucky coffee trees form thick, leathery pods that reman on the tree during the winter.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kentucky-coffee-tree-summer-1.jpegKentucky Coffee treeThis young Kentucky coffee tree shows the full foliage and green seed pods of summer.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kentucky-coffee-tree-summer.jpegKentucky Coffee treeThis young Kentucky coffee tree shows the full foliage and green seed pods of summer.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kentucky-coffee-tree-ripe-pod.jpegKentucky coffee tree podThe ripe seed pods contain several marble-sized seeds, which are toxic unless thoroughly cooked.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/green-pods-of-kentucky-coffee-tree.jpgKentucky coffee tree podsFemale Kentucky coffee trees develop large green pods that darken in late summer.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bark-of-kentucky-coffee-tree.jpegKentucky coffee tree barkThe scaly, craggy bark of Kentucky coffee trees sets them apart from trees with smooth, gray bark, such as basswoods and red maples.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/lake-nokomis-winter-kentucky-coffee-tree.jpgKentucky coffee treeKentucky coffee trees form thick, leathery pods that reman on the tree during the winter.2022-03-25T21:49:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/11/06/autumn-nostalgia/2022-03-03T19:18:35+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/10/14/wooly-bear-caterpillars/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/woolybear-sakatahsinginghills.jpgwoolybear-SakatahsinginghillsLook for wooly bears on sunny, mild autumn days. This one crosses the Sakatah Sining Hills Trail in southern Minnesota.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/woolybear-nokomis.jpgwoolybear-NokomisWooly bears are generalists -- they eat many types of plants including grass, clover and weeds. This one just crossed the Lake Nokomis walking path in Minneapolis. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/woolybear-garden.jpgwoolybear-gardenI found this little wooly bear asleep in the garden under a pile of fallen leaves. I tucked it back in for the winter.2021-10-16T16:35:08+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/09/13/gray-tree-frogs/2023-09-12T22:43:23+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/04/12/spring-happens-all-around-us/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/babycrabapple-leaves-1.jpgBabycrabapple leaveshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/babycrabapple-leaves.jpgBabycrabapple leaveshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/baby-oak-leaves2.jpegBaby oak leaves2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/spirea-rossette.jpgSpirea rossette2021-05-07T15:39:37+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/04/19/early-spring-native-flowers-bloodroot/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bloodrootwinchell2.jpegBloodrootWinchell2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bloodrootwinchell.jpegBloodrootWinchellhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bloodroot-sepals-copy2.jpegbloodroot sepals copy2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bloodroot-sepals.jpegbloodroot sepalshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bloodrootbee.jpgbloodroot with native beeNative bloodroot (Sanguinea canadensis) flowers emerge with a single leaf tightly wrapped around each of them. (Notice the early native bee near the top of the photo!)2021-05-07T15:37:10+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/05/05/robins-and-apple-blossoms/2021-05-07T15:35:48+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/05/02/spring-ephemerals-hepatica/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hepaticaleaves2.jpgHepatica - new leavesNew green leaves grow beneath the flowers and will last all season.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hermitthrush.jpeghermit thrushA hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), one of the most flute-like songsters I've heard, rests on its journey not.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/bloodrootpods-1.jpegbloodrootpodshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/bloodrootpods.jpegbloodrootpodsAs the bloodroot blossoms wilted, the leaves unfold and the seed pods begin to swell.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/bumblebeechin.jpegbumblebee:chinA queen bumble bee hovers above chiodoxyn blossoms.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hepaticaleaves.jpeghepatica leavesHepatica leaves are three-lobed. The previous year's leaves are often brown-sh red or bronze and reminded earlier people of the human liver. (Hepatica is from the Greek word for liver.)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_2176-hepatica.jpghepatica - fuzzy budsHepatica's fuzzy flower stalks slowly unfurl to reveal the delicate flowers.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/hepatica.jpeghepaticaRound-lobed hepatica (Hepatica nobilis) blooms range from white to purple in color.2021-04-08T16:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/03/31/maple-flowers/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/silvermapleflower1.jpgsilvermapleflower1https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/redmaplebloom.jpgmaple flowersThe female flowers of red maples (Acer rubric) remind me of tiny coral reef creatures.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/silvermaplecaron.jpgsilvermaplecaronMale flowers of the silver maple (Acer saccharinum) are tiny and packed with pollen.2021-03-31T21:56:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/02/13/who-will-nest-here/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/chickadee2.jpgChickadee2Black-capped chickadees remain in Minnesota year round. Their calls and high rate of activity liven up our winters.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/chickadeechip2.jpgChickadee/chip2Chickadees deposit excavated wood chips away from the nest site to avoid leaving signs for predators.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/chickadeechip.jpgChickadee/chipOne member of the chickadee pair removes wood chips from the apple tree cavity.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/treecavity.jpgTreecavityBlack-capped chickadees, downy woodpeckers and white-breasted nuthatches recently explored this cavity in our apple tree.2021-02-14T15:31:45+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2021/01/26/january-silence-and-sound/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/wintercardinal.jpgwintercardinalMale cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) typically begin singing during mid-January in Minnesota.2021-01-27T19:28:17+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/03/01/winter-trees/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/urbansunset.jpegurbansunsetWinter sunset over Saint Paul, MN, on Feb. 22, 2017.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/spruce-cones.jpegspruce-conesNew cones form on a white spruce.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/whitespruce.jpegwhitespruceWhite spruce (Picea glauca) and other evergreens shelter many creatures.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/riverbirch-e1488376866577.jpegriverbirchThe bark of river birch (Betula nigra) is multicolored and has a shredded texture.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/crabapple.jpegcrabappleCrabapple trees (Malus) provide food for many birds and add winter color.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/redoak1.jpgredoak1A weathered old northern red oak (still living) has been a home to many birds and other animals.2021-01-06T22:23:14+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/12/13/winter-crane-flies/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wincrane.jpegWincraneCrane flies shimmer in winter's low sunlight.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/winstairs.jpegWinstairsTiny swarms of crane flies shimmer golden in the low winter sun.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wintrees.jpegWintreesOpen woods of maple and basswood show through the Mississippi River. 2020-12-17T16:00:57+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/11/08/november-honey-bees-and-asters/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/honbee1.jpegHonbee1https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/honbee2.jpegHonbee2A honey bee seeks nectar on a summer-like November day.2020-12-12T15:27:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/10/19/october-yellow-move-over-red/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yellowmaples-1.jpegyellowmapleshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/basswood-1.jpegbasswoodhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/yellowmaples.jpegyellow mapleshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/basswood.jpegbasswood2020-11-07T16:52:35+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/10/09/thoughts-about-dad/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/snakeriverfog1.jpegsnakeriverfog1https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/snakefran3.jpegsnakefran3https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/redmaple.jpegredmaplehttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mergansers.jpegmergansershttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/turtles.jpegTurtleshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/waterlilies.jpegwaterlilieshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/autumn-path.jpegautumn path2020-10-13T14:37:32+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/09/29/a-stick-isnt-always-a-stick/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/walkstickhead2-1.jpegwalkstickhead2Walkingsticks fold their front legs straight forward, next to their antennae, to appear more sticklike.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/walkstickhead2.jpegwalkstickhead2Walkingsticks fold their front legs straight forward, next to their antennae, to appear more sticklike.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/walkstickhead.jpegwalkstickheadWalkingsticks fold their front legs straight forward, next to their antennae, to appear more sticklike.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/walkstickwhole.jpegwalkstickwholeThis Northern walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata) is close to 4 inches long and is most likely a young insect or nymph, which are light green.2020-09-30T00:46:39+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/08/29/summer-afternoon-country-walk/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sweetclover2.jpegsweetclover2Sweet clover scents the air along the road.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sweetclover.jpegsweetcloverSweet clover scents the air along the road.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/black-eyedsusans.jpegblack-eyedsusansNative black-eyed Susan's spring up along most country roads in August.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/milkweedroad.jpegmilkweedroadMilkweed, a critical source of nectar for monarchs and other pollinators, borders fields of corn and soybeans.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/paintedladiesfleabane.jpegpaintedladies:fleabanePainted ladies nectar on fleabane in the field borders.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/farmroadlong.jpeg..jpgfarmroadlong.jpeg.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/field-borders.jpgField bordersThe road is peaceful...............https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/eaglecatch.jpegeagle&catchA bald eagle, clutching its fishy catch, perchs to rest for a moment. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/russala.jpegRussalaRussala mushrooms are bright spots against moss.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/summer-woods-2.jpgsummer woodsFerns and Canada ginger abound with oaks near the river.2020-09-07T22:16:11+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/08/04/butterfly-sampler/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/eastern-tailedblue-1.jpegEastern-tailedblueEastern-tailed blues (Everes comyntas) are active May - September in the Upper Midwest and southern Canada.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/painted-lady.jpegVersion 2A painted lady (Vanessa cardui) basks in the sun on a roadside rock to warm its flight muscles.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/red-admiral1-1.jpegRed Admiral1Red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) migrate north in April and usually depart in October. Their caterpillars feed on nettles.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/red-admiral1.jpegRed admiralRed admirals (Vanessa atalanta) migrate north in April and usually depart in October. Their caterpillars feed on nettles.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/easterntiger.jpegeasterntigerEastern tiger swallowtails (Papilio glaucus) favor nectar from Joe-Pye weed, blazing star and phlox.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bandedhair1.jpegbandedhairstreakBanded hairstreaks (Satyrium calanus) lay their eggs on oak trees. This adult nectared on common milkweed in my garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/red-spottedpurple.jpegRed-spottedpurpleRed-spotted purples (Limenitis anthemis astyanax) are a southern subspecies of white admirals and they often hybridize in the Upper Midwest. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whiteadmiral.jpegwhiteadmiralWhite admirals (Limenitis anthemis arthemis) are common in areas with aspen and birch. They prefer sap over flower nectar.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/monaarch.jpegmonarch depositing eggThis female monarch (Danaus plexippus) deposits an egg on the underside of a common milkweed plant.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/blackswallow2.jpegBlackswallow2Two rows of yellow spots on the forewing distinguish the black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) from the eastern tiger swallowtail female dark form (Papilio glaucus).2022-09-16T20:02:03+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/07/09/ebony-jewelwing/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ebonyjewelwing3.jpegebonyjewelwing3Inky black wings and a blue-green abdomen identify this male ebony jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ebonyjewelwing2.jpegEbonyjewelwing2Vertically folded wings, a slender abdomen and eyes set apart on each side of the head are characteristic of the ebony jewelwing and other damselflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/greendarner.jpegGreendarnerA green darner dragonfly exhibits the horizontal wings, wrap-around eyes and stout body characteristic of dragonflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/snakeriver.jpegSnakeriverThe Snake River in east central Minnesota provides the habitat needed by ebony jewel wings.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ebonyjewelwing.jpegebonyjewelwingInky black wings and a blue-green abdomen identify this male ebony jewelwing.2020-07-14T22:10:49+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/06/17/black-eastern-tiger-swallowtail/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ets-male-2.jpegETS male-2Eastern tiger swallowtail males are always yellow with black stripes and lack the wash of blue on the hind wings.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ets-male-1.jpegETS-maleEastern tiger swallowtail males are always yellow with black stripes and lack the wash of blue on the hind wings.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ets-black-form-2.jpegETS-black form 2The female's underwings are marked with bright orange spots and blue scales.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ets-male.jpegETS-maleEastern tiger swallowtail males are always yellow with black stripes and lack the wash of blue on the hind wings.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ets-black-form.jpegETS-black formAn eastern tiger swallowtail black form female nectars on nepeta 'Walker's low."2020-07-30T21:36:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/09/01/eastern-tiger-swallowtail-butterflies/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/blackform5.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/blackform2.jpgVersion 2The name swallowtail comes from the long tail projections that resemble a swallow. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/yellowform.jpgyellowformAn eastern tiger swallowtail (yellow form) nectars on monarda flower.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/blackform3.jpgVersion 2A female eastern tiger swallowtail (black form) nectars on an ironweed flower.2020-06-16T15:38:36+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/06/07/peony/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/whitepeony.jpegWhile PeonyPaeonia officinalis2020-06-08T21:54:27+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/05/19/violets-arent-always-violet/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/great-spangledfritillary2.jpeggreat-spangled fritillary2Many fritillary caterpillars feed only on violets. The adult great-spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele) shown here nectars on pink bergamot.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/great-spanagledfritillary.jpegGreat-spangled fritillaryMany fritillary caterpillars feed only on violets. The adult great-spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele) shown here nectars on pink bergamot.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/violetdowny1.jpegviolet-downyThe downy yellow violet's (Viola pubescens) stems are covered in soft, downy hair and the flower stems grow from the leaf axil instead of directly from the corm.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/viola-wp.jpegviola white and blueThe white form of the wood violet.............https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/22blue22-violet.jpegblue violetThe common violet or wood violet (Viola sororia) blooms from late April through May in the eastern United States and Canada.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/violet-violet.jpegviolet violetThis one came from my mother's garden. I like the magenta color.2020-05-19T15:31:57+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/04/21/spring-inconsistent-as-usual/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/canadacherry.jpegCanada cherryBaby leaves and bud bunches of Canada cherry.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/no.magnolia.jpegno.magnoliaA northern magnolia bud, slightly frostbitten, unfurls on a milder day.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/honeybeesquill.jpeghoneybee and squillThis honey bee in the Siberian squill is the first one I spotted this year.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bloodroot.jpgBloodrootBloodroot is one of the earliest spring wildflowers in Minnesota.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/moss.jpgMossBright green moss and its spore capsules are a welcome's sight after the snow.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/snow-on-trees.jpegsnow on treesSticky snow transformed a greening world back to winter black and white.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/squill-crocus.jpgSquill and CrocusStriped squill and crocus blooming before last weeks snowstorm.2020-04-29T15:07:29+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/03/15/salt-marsh-beauty/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/gaillardia.jpgGaillardiaNative blankert flower (Gaillardia pulchella) prefers dry, sandy soil and tolerates salt well.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/espanamoss-1.jpgEspanamossSpanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is a bromeliad, not a true moss. Here it grows on mangrove trees for support.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/sea-purslane.jpgsea purslaneSea purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum) is highly salt tolerant and flourishes in the upper edges of salt marshes and coastal dunes. The holes are fiddler crab homes.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/little-blue-heron.jpglittle blue heronA little blue heron (Egrella cerulea) hunts for fish, frogs and small. crustaceans in the mangroves.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/saltgrass.jpgsaltgrasshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/saltmarshquiet.jpgsaltmarshquietIn the late afternoon, all is quiet. There is only the sun's heat and the weight of silence. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/mswaterpels.jpgMark's pelicansAmerican white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) feeding in a shallow wetland near the marshes. (Watercolor by my husband.)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/gulf-fritillary4.jpggulf fritillary4Gulf fritillaries(Agraulis vanillae) are active all year in south Florida.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/queendanaus.jpgqueen:danausThe queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus), a cousin to the monarch, also depends lives solely on milkweed for its nutrition.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/zebra.jpegzebra heliconianThe zebra longwing (Heliconius charitonius) is Florida's state butterfly.2020-03-22T23:06:55+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/02/25/seed-story/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/whitesnakerootseeds.jpegwhitesnakerootseedsOblong black seeds and fluff of native white snakeroot ripen in mid-autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/columbine-seeds.jpegcolumbine seedsRipe Columbine pods break open to release shiny, black seeds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/beanseeds.jpegbeanseedsSeeds of purple hyacinth and scarlet runner beans produce colorful blossoms and pods.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/prairiegrassglow.jpegprairiegrassglowPrairie grass seeds glow in late-afternoon sun.2020-04-19T20:43:30+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/12/17/a-nuthatch-winter/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/nuthatchwhiteoak2-1.jpegVersion 5White oaks are a favorite food source of white-breasted nuthatches.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/nuthatchwhiteoak2.jpegVersion 5White oaks are a favorite food source of white-breasted nuthatches.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/red-breasted-nuthatchtmm.jpegred-breasted nuthatch/TMMRed-breasted nuthatches are easily identified by their small size and rusty colored underparts. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/wbnuthatchwhiteoak.jpegwhite-breasted nuthatch on oakWhite oaks are a favorite food source for white-breasted nuthatches. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/rbwwith-tooltmm.jpegred-breasted nuthatch with bark/TMMThis red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) uses a stick to search for hidden seeds in the bark of a red pine. (Photographed by my brother.)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/white-breastednuthatchappletree.jpegWhite-breasted nuthatch/our apple treeThis male white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)retrieved a seed from tree bark crevices.2023-10-14T16:02:11+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2020/01/23/seeking-winters-beauty/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/milkpod1-1.jpegmilkweed podCommon milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/snowy-bench-1.jpegSnowy benchA quiet place to notice nature.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/31314-tm-birds-07-1.jpegDowny woodpeckerMale downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/31314-tm-birds-07.jpegDowny woodpeckerMale downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/sumac-berries.jpegSumac berriesRhus (------) sumac.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/crabapples.jpegCrabapplesApples of the dwarf crab 'Tina' (Malus sargentii).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/milkpod1.jpegmilkpod1Seed pod of the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/susan1.jpegSusan1Black-eyed Susan seed heads trap snow and ice crystals.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/carontrailjpeg-1.jpegCarontrailjpegNature's beauty is clean and spare in January.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/carontrailjpeg.jpegCarontrailjpegNature's beauty is clean and spare in January.2020-01-23T19:34:22+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/06/29/henry-kelsey-climbing-rose/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/henry-kelsey-oil-4-2.jpgVersion 2My husband painted the memory of a beautiful afternoon in the garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/june-8-july-10-2015-0321.jpgVersion 2'Henry Kelsey' roses are a favorite of green bees and many other native pollinators.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/june-8-july-10-2015-032.jpgVersion 2Rose 'Henry Kelsey' blossoms attract green bees and many other pollinators.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/henry-kelsey-oil-4.jpgVersion 3Henry Kelsey oil2019-12-05T15:21:51+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2019/11/27/opt-for-gratitude/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/monarchnectaring-on-milkweed.jpegMonarch and milkweedMonarch and common milkweedhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/october-skytree.jpegOctober sky with snagA perfect October day.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/eastern-tigerswallowtail-on-joe-pye.jpegEastern tiger swallowtail on Joe-Pye flowerEastern tiger swallowtail and Joe-Pye weed.2020-01-20T13:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2019/10/31/octobers-gifts/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/aspen2.jpegQuaking aspenQuaking aspen leaves (Populous tremuloides) quiver and rustle in the smallest breeze creating a peaceful sound.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/milkweedpodseeds.jpegMilkweed pod and seedsCommon milkweed pods (Asclepias syriaca) split open and released their soft, parachute-like seeds. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/redmaple.jpegVersion 2Red maples (Acer rubrum) smolder on crisp, late October afternoons.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/aspentree.jpegaspentreeQuaking aspen leaves (Populous tremuloides) quiver and rustle in the smallest breeze creating a peaceful sound.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/appleleaffall.jpegApple treeBeacon apple leaves (Malus domestic 'Beacon') glow in the afternoon sun.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bluebird5.jpegBlue JayI love hearing the sassy blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) call when most birds are much quieter in the fall and winter.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bluejay5.jpegBlue JayI love hearing the sassy blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) call when most birds are much quieter in the fall and winter. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/whitesquirrel.jpegVersion 2An albino eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) snacks on nuts from its perch under the arbor vitae hedge.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/chippyonstoop.jpegEastern chipmunkAn eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) enjoys the mild afternoon on our back stoop.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/joe-pyeripening.jpegJoe-pye ripeningThe spent purple flowers of Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum) will ripen to a mass of soft, brown seeds.2019-11-19T23:32:53+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2019/10/27/belted-kingfisher/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfishercrest-3.jpegVersion 4The kingfisher's shaggy crest and long, pointed bill are identifying characteristics.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfishercrest-2.jpegVersion 4belted kingfisher femalehttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfishercrest-1.jpegKingfisher 1-sidebelted kingfisher femalehttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfishercrest.jpegKingfisher crestThe belted kingfisher's shaggy crested long, pointed makes it easy to identify.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfisherdive.jpegKingfisher flightNotice the dark, pointed wing tips, gray upper parts and shaggy head.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfisherflight.jpegVersion 2A female belted kingfisher hovers over the river just before dropping into the water for a fish.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/kingfisherlside.jpegVersion 2The rusty stripe across this bird's abdomen identifies it as a female belted kingfisher.2019-10-28T18:58:15+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2019/09/15/september-hatchlings/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snapbabyswim.jpegsnapping turtle hatchlingsThe baby snapper began to swim upriver. It was not taken by predators while I watched it. I hope it will be part of the slim percentage that survives infancy.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snapbabydivein.jpegVersion 2The hatchling headed straight into the water. Notice the grass and other material picked up by its muddy shell during its trip to the river.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snapbabyrocks.jpegsnapping turtle hatchlingThe turtles moved slowly with many taking naps along the way. Once they disappeared into the tall vegetation on the riverbank, I lost sight of them. However, this little one popped out down on the rocky shore.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snapbabygrass.jpegVersion 2This hatchling still carries wet soil on its shell from recently exiting the nest.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/snapbabytwo.jpegsnapping turtle hatchlingsNewly hatched snapping turtles (C serpentina) are half-dollar sized and usually charcoal or black in color.2024-10-29T22:41:18+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2019/07/02/the-years-first-monarch-caterpillar/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1adult-monarch-on-joe-pye.jpegVersion 2An adult monarch nectars on Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/instar1.jpegInstar2/version2This tiny 2nd instar monarch caterpillar is about 7mm in length.2019-08-17T01:26:36+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/11/20/for-the-beauty-of-the-earth/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/nov-evening-sky.jpgNovember Evening Sky V2The sky's beauty is more visible as the trees shed their leaves. Just a few apple leaves remain.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/seedheads21.jpgAster Seed headsSeed heads of asters are https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/seedheads2.jpgSeed headshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/prairiegrass.jpgSunlit grass-AftonLate afternoon sun glows on prairie grass.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bigbluestem1.jpgVersion 2Prairie native big bluestem grass at Woodlake Nature Preserve in Minneapolis, MN.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/milkweed-seeds-2.jpgmilkweed seedsV2Milkweed seeds are abundant in late November.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/joe-pyeseedheads.jpgJoe-Pye seedbeds V2Pink-tinged seed heads of native Joe-Pye flowers add color to gardens and prairies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/sunlit-grass-afton.jpgSunlit grass-Afton V2Late afternoon sun glows on prairie grass.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bigbluestem.jpgBig bluestem V2Prairie native big bluestem grass at Woodlake Nature Preserve in Minneapolis, MN.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/milkweedseeds.jpgMilkweed seedsV2The gauzy seeds of common milkweed are abundant in late autumn.2018-11-26T14:47:32+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/11/08/diverse-decomposers/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus16.jpgFungus on log close-up.A white Polypore fungus slowly decomposes a fallen tree limb.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus-5.jpgVersion 2Amanitas grow in deciduous and mixed woodlands.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus6.jpgfungus6silver-blue fungushttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus7.jpgVersion 2The underside of this rusalla mushroom shows the spore-producing gills.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus14.jpgDog-s ear fungusDog-s ear fungushttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus13.jpgVersion 2Tiny orange toadstools.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus17.jpgVersion 2Peeling Puffballshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/fungus11.jpgVersion 2Autumn toadstoolhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/fungus-4.jpgVersion 2Tiny jelly fungi grow on a rotting log.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/fungus10.jpgVersion 2a rusulla mushroom2018-11-10T01:52:48+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/10/11/brightness-in-the-gloom/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ash-leaves.jpgAsh LeavesThe leaves of the white ash (Fraxinus Americana) turn orange, red or purple in autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/maple-leaves.jpegMaple LeavesMaple and ash leaves add color to these gloomy days.2023-11-19T16:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/09/09/a-ribbon-of-native-prairie/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/bigbluestemgoldenrod-prairie.jpgbigbluestem:goldenrod prairieGoldenrod, big bluestem and other native grasses and forbs bloom in a swath of restored prairie at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/migratingmonarchgolden.jpgMigrating monarch and goldenrodGoldenrod (Solidago Spp.) is a major source of nectar for migrating monarch butterflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/indiangrass.jpgIndian grass – Version 2Indian or wood grass (Sorghastrum nutans) has bronze and yellow flowers.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/prairie-restoration.jpgVersion 2Native prairie restoration at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/pearlcrescent.jpgPearl crescentPearl crescents (Phyciodes tharos) are common on the prairie and grasslands during August and September.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/long-headedconeflower.jpgLong-headed coneflowerLong-headed coneflowers (Ratibida columnifera) are a native prairie wildflower and https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/prairiejuly.jpgJuly PrairieMonarda, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan's and big bluestem stretch across a prairie restoration area.2018-09-09T14:13:39+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/08/28/late-summer-along-minnesotas-snake-river/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/riverbankgrapes.jpgVersion 2Riverbank or frost grapes (Vitis riparia) are a native Minnesota grape that favors a moist environment and feed many bird species.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/brown-eyed-susans.jpgVersion 2Brown-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) mix with fleabane and field thistle in a large patch next to the road.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dogwoodberries.jpgVersion 2Gray dogwood berries, or drupes (Cornus racemosa) are a favorite of thrushes, robins and other birds. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/riverbankgrape.jpgVersion 2Riverbank or frost grapes (Vitis riparia) are a native Minnesota grape that favors a moist environment and feed many bird species.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/buroakacorn.jpgBur oak acornBur or mossy cup oaks (Quercus macrocarpa, a type of white oak) are named for the fringe that surrounds the top of the acorn. They are an important food source for many birds and animals.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/green-headedconehead.jpgVersion 2Green-headed coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata) provide pollen to bees later in the fall.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/fieldthistle.jpgField thistleNative field thistles (Cirsium discolor) provide pollen and nectar to insects and nutritions seeds for birds and other creatures.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/purpleconeflowers04.jpgEd's puple coneflowersOur neighbor, Ed's, puple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) attract many species of butterflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/tallsunflower.jpgtallsunflowerA female long-horned bee (Melissodes, spp.) pollinates a tall sunflower (Helianthus giganteus).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/bottlegentian.jpgBottle GentiansBottle gentians signals at the arrive of late summer in east central Minnesota.2018-10-19T15:44:15+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/27/autumn-photos-and-phenology/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/puffball.jpgPuffballPuffball mushrooms are common in autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/pouches.jpgChipmunk PouchesAn eastern chipmunk collects acorns, hickory and hazelnuts in its pouches to store in its den for the winter. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/swamp.jpgSwamp Milkweed SeedsSwamp milkweed (Esclepias incarnata) seeds pods release their silky seeds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/rosehips2.jpgrosehips2Wild rose hips ripen to cherry red.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/smallredoak.jpgRed oak Leaves Northern red oak leaves begin to change color.2018-08-23T01:39:46+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/11/27/a-harvest-of-berries/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/solomons2.jpgSolomon's2Ripe berries of starry false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum) hang in plumes.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dogwoodblue.jpgdogwoodblueSwamp or silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) berries ripen to dark blue. The shrubs form dense thickets that provide cover for snowshoe hare and other animals.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/rosehips3.jpgrosehips3https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/squirrelrose.jpgsquirrel:roseSquirrels eat the fruit or "hips" of (Rosa 'Henry Kelsey') before they've even ripened.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/woodbine2.jpgwoodbine2American woodbine berries are a winter food source for some species of songbirds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/hawthorne1.jpgHawthorne treeNative hawthorns (Crataegus) are small trees with long, sharp thorns that produce a beautiful red fruit eaten by many songbirds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dogwood2.jpgSwamp dogwoodSwamp or silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) berries ripen to dark blue. The shrubs form dense thickets that provide cover for snowshoe hare and other animals.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dogwood.jpggray dogwood2018-08-22T21:22:29+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/01/03/nature-looking-back-in-2013/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/december-sky.jpgdecember skyBirch branches, bare except for their catkins, ...https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/riveroct2.jpgriveroct2In late autumn, the river...https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/basswood1.jpgbasswoodhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/basswood.jpgbasswoodA basswood leaf glows in the late afternoon autumn sun.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/riverleaves.jpgriverleavesFalling leaves settle among pebbles and add color to the riverbed. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bladdernut.jpgbladdernutNative bladdernut seeds ripen in papery husks.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chip.jpgchip Eastern chipmunks gather nuts, seeds and fruit for the winter.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/salmon-fungi.jpgsalmon fungiMany different kinds of colorful fungi appear in autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/riveraug.jpgriverAugThe Snake River runs slower in autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/harebells.jpgharebellsDelicate native harebells (Campanula rotundifolia) bloom into autumn and are loved by bumblebees.2018-08-22T21:20:36+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/08/05/harebells/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bluebell3.jpgbluebell3Harebells blossom from June through summer, and often bloom again in autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bluebell2.jpgbluebell2Harebells are also known as thimbles, bluebells of Scotland, heath bells and bluebells.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bluebell1.jpgbluebell1Harebells growing on the banks of the Snake River in east central Minnesota. 2018-08-22T21:18:16+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/08/22/augusts-beauty-2/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/redstart2.jpgredstart2Male American redstart warbler.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/sweetjoe-pye.jpgsweetjoe-pyeFirst buds of sweet Joe-Pye begin to open.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/beethistle.jpgbee&thistleEuropean bull thistle with bumble bee.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/easterntailedblue2.jpgeasterntailedblue2Eastern-tailed blue (Cupido comyntas) https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/hogpeanut.jpghogpeanutHog peanut is a member of the pea family. (More to come in a later post.)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ironweed14.jpgironweed'14Priarie or western ironweed (Vernonia fasiculata).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/susansasters.jpgsusans&astersBrown-eyed Susan's and a few early-blooming asters.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bigbluestem.jpgbigbluestemNative big bluestem is also called turkey foot grass due to the shape of the seed heads. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bluevervain14.jpgbluevervain'14Swamp or blue vervain prefers moist, loamy soil and lots of sun.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/wfmeadowhawk.jpgwfmeadowhawkA white-faced meadowhawk watches for prey.2020-06-23T21:04:56+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/09/02/pileated-acrobatics/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/chokecherry1.jpgchokecherry1Chokecherry fruit (Prunus virginiana).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pileated3.jpgpileated3https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pileated4.jpgpileated4https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pileated1.jpgpileated1https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pileated5.jpgpileated52018-08-22T21:13:03+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/10/22/glimpses-of-a-mid-october-afternoon/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/chick-oct2.jpgchick oct2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/chipfor-tom.jpgchipfor tomhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/leopardfrogoct.jpgLeopard Frog, Octoberhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/east-commaoct.jpgEastern comma, Octoberhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/roadoct.jpgOctober roadhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/toadstooloct.jpgToadstool, Octoberhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ladybugoct.jpgAsian ladybird beetle, Octoberhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/latebumbler.jpgLate bumbler on aster, Octoberhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/tattered-bloomoct.jpgTattered bloom, Octoberhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/buglingcranesoct.jpgBugling cranes, October2018-08-22T21:09:22+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/07/08/thoughts-on-a-butterfly/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/crescent1.jpgcrescent1Tattered butterfly wings may indicate a close call with a predator, or advancing old age.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/crescent2.jpgcrescent2Sun glows on the wings of a crescent butterfly (Phyciodes).2018-08-22T21:06:43+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/07/22/michigan-and-turks-cap-lily/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/threeturk.jpgthreeturkThe tepals curve up and back toward the base of the flower.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/twoturk.jpgtwoturkMichigan lily (Lilium michiganense) growing near the Snake River in east central Minnesota.2018-08-22T21:03:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/10/10/october-gold-and-blue/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/carrion-flowervine.jpgcarrion-flowervineThe heart-shaped leaves of the carrion flower (Smilax herbacea) add light and color to the October woods.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/aspen-walk.jpgaspen-walkAspen leaves and moss decorate a walkway at our cabin.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/blue-asters.jpgblue-astersAsters (Symphyotrichum novi-begii) provide nectar to these hoverflies and many other autumn insects.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/bottlegentians.jpgbottlegentiansBottle gentian blooms (Gentiana andrewsii) turn dark and dry out as their seeds mature.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/morningglory102016.jpgmorningglory102016Sky blue morning glories continue to bloom in October.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/great-blue-heron.jpggreat-blue-heronA great blue heron (Ardea herodias) swoops over the Snake River in east central Minnesota.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/oaksky.jpgoakskyWhite oaks shine against a cloudless October sky.2018-08-22T21:01:40+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/01/27/in-memory-of-cathy-borden/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/img_4848-e1453940508321.jpgIMG_4848Cathy in 1982 during one of our birding trips.2019-09-15T15:42:28+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/01/27/memories-of-birds/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/chickadeegarden2.jpgVersion 2Black-capped chickadees are companionable in the garden and the woods.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/goldfinchwing2.jpgVersion 2An American goldfinch spreads its wings in the bee balm patch.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/lilyofthevalley.jpglilyofthevalleyLily of the valley(Convallaria majalis) is native to Northern Europe and Asia.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/chickadeegarden.jpgVersion 2Black-capped chickadees are companionable birds in the garden and woodlands.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/goldfinchwing.jpgVersion 2An American goldfinch settles into some bee balm.2018-08-22T20:35:56+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/08/16/garden-bugs-nifty-or-nasty/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/redadmiralphlox.jpgVersion 2A red admiral nectars on garden phlox.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/monarchmilkweed.jpgVersion 2Adult monarchs and many other butterfly species nectar on common milkweed.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/monarchcater.jpgVersion 2Monarch caterpillars hatch and grow only on milkweed plants.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/aphidsnerii.jpgAphids neriiTiny soft-bodied aphids (Aphids nerii) suck plant juices from common milkweed. The white specks are moltings that are stuck in the honeydew.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/blackladybug.jpgVersion 2Not all ladybugs are red or orange. The tiny esteemed ladybug is black with yellow spots.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/meadowhawk-spp.jpgVersion 2Most meadowhawks (Sympetrum spp.) fly in late summer and autumn. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/easternpondhawkjuv-male.jpgeasternpondhawkjuv.maleThis juvenile male common pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) will attack any type of insects its size or smaller, including others of its own species.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ladybugspp.jpgVersion 2The convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is a North American native that feed on aphids, whiteflies and other pests.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/japanese-beetle-turtlehead.jpgJapanese beetle turtleheadJapanese beetles (Popillia japonica), an invasive species, are a type of scarab beetle that destroy many plant species in North America.2018-08-26T15:30:27+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/08/11/winged-beauty/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/tigerfemale2.jpgVersion 3Joe-Pye (Eutrochium maculate) is a favorite source of nectar for eastern tiger swallowtails. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/tigerfemale1.jpgVersion 2The numerous blue scalings along the wing border identify this as an eastern tiger swallowtail female.2018-08-26T15:32:56+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/07/19/walk-in-the-woods/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/forestpath2.jpgVersion 2Oak woods are a cool place to hike on a hot day.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/waterlily1.jpgVersion 2An American water lily (Nymphaea odoranta) blooms in the shadows on a quiet lake.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dragon21.jpgVersion 2This dragonfly's completely separated eyes indicate that it belongs to the clubtail family, possibly a lily pad club (Arigomphus furcifer) with its azure eyes.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/browndragon1.jpgVersion 2Immature and female widow skimmers are brown and lack the white wing markings.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bluedrargon1.jpgVersion 2Widow skimmers (Libellula luctuosa) are large, slow dragonflies that can approach two inches in length. The white and black wing patches indicate this is a male.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/smoothsumac.jpgVersion 2The red fruit of smooth sumac (Rhus clabara) feeds many birds and other animals during the winter.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/yarrow1.jpgVersion 2Historically, common yarrow (Achillea milliforum) has been used to treat pain and inflammation in many cultures.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/black-eyed-susans1.jpgVersion 2Black-eyed Susan's (Rubeckia hirta) are a drought-tolerant and long-blooming species of coneflower.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bluevervain1.jpgVersion 2The tiny blooms of blue vervain (Verbena hastata) attract many native bees and small butterflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/p-l-ticktrefoil1.jpgVersion 2Pointed-leaved trefoil (Desmodium glutinous) commonly grows along shaded woodland edges.2018-07-19T14:53:08+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/07/11/a-present-moment/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/tworedadmirals1.jpgVersion 2Red admiral butterflies (Vanessa atalanta) visit gardens from April through October before migrating south.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bumble-bee-monarda2.jpgVersion 2Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) love the nectar of monarda blossoms.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bumble-bee-monarda1.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/swallowtailside2.jpgVersion 2Underwings of eastern tiger swallowtail.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/swallowtailside1.jpgVersion 2Underwings of eastern tiger swallowtail.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/swallowtailback1.jpgVersion 2Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/tworedadmirals.jpgVersion 2Red admiral butterflies (Vanessa atalanta) visit gardens from April through October before migrating south.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bumble-bee-monarda.jpgVersion 2Bumble bees love the nectar of monarda blossoms.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/swallowtailside.jpgVersion 2Underwings of eastern tiger swallowtail.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/swallowtailback.jpgVersion 2Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus).2018-07-14T20:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2018/04/02/awakening-spring/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/aspencatkin.jpgVersion 4Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) flowers begin to emerge.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/crocusbud.jpgCrocus 'lady killer' Version 2Crocus chrysanthus 'ladykiller' usually bloom in April.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/snowdrop.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/junco1.jpgVersion 2Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) will soon migrate to their summer breeding territories in Canada.2018-04-05T15:28:40+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/12/06/november-bulbs-hope-for-the-spring/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/tulipmaureen.jpgVersion 2A 'Maureen' tulip from a previous spring.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bulbshoots.jpgbulbshootsSpring bulbs emerging from their winter sleep is a highlight of spring for me.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/tulip-bulbs.jpgtulip bulbs'Maureen' tulip bulbs bloom in late spring.2018-04-03T14:50:43+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/11/26/gray-day-gratitude-bright-autumn-colors/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/kale.jpgkaleOrnamental kale in a sunny spot.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4690.jpgIMG_4690An empty robin's nest and red maple leaf tucked into a dwarf blue spruce.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4664.jpgIMG_4664Moss in the north-facing garden of our backyard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/singlewoodbine.jpgsinglewoodbineThe beauty of a single woodbine leaf in the empty garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/barberryfruit.jpgbarberryfruitRaindrops on crimson barberry (Berberis) fruit.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_4630.jpgIMG_4630Wild grape (Vitis riparia) leaves etched in maroon.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/daylilydroplets.jpgdaylilydropletsBeads of rain adorn daylily fronds (Hemerocallis).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/redmapleseedling.jpgredmapleseedlingA tiny red maple seedling in the backyard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/colorfulmilkweed.jpgcolorfulmilkweedCommon milkweed (Aesclepias syriaca) releases it silky seeds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/moss.jpgmossA soft cushion of moss in a north-facing garden in our backyard.2017-10-06T20:09:36+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/09/23/farewell-sweet-summer/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/sundial.jpgsundialhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/monarchjoe-pye.jpgVersion 22017-09-23T14:09:11+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/09/09/painted-ladies/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2plchivesjpg.jpgVersion 2Garlic chives are very attractive to the painted ladies visiting our garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pladyjoe-pye.jpgVersion 2A painted lady nectars on native Joe-Pye weed.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/plundchive.jpgVersion 2Four eyespots along the edge of the hind underwing help identify a painted lady.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pladyupsedum.jpgVersion 2Black, white and shades of orange set off the upper wings of a painted lady.2017-09-23T12:37:41+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/08/18/lake-michigan-walk/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0337.jpgIMG_0337https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0325.jpgIMG_0325https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0318.jpgIMG_0318https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0268.jpgIMG_0268https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0262.jpgIMG_0262https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0316.jpgIMG_0316https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0276.jpgIMG_0276https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0305.jpgIMG_0305https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0304.jpgIMG_0304https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/img_0280.jpgIMG_02802017-10-07T14:29:54+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/07/30/monarda-a-balm-for-bees-and-people/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/hummermothbergamot.jpgVersion 2Hummingbird moths, like their namesake, nectar in the tubular flowers.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bumblenap.jpgBumblenapA bumble bee settles in for an afternoon snooze on pink bergamot.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/hummermonarda.jpgVersion 2Ruby-throated hummingbirds love the red bee balm and visit every evening.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fritillarymonarda.jpgGreat-spangled fritillaryMany fritillary caterpillars feed only on violets. This adult nectars on pink bergamot.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/honeybeemonarda-close.jpgVersion 2A honey bee flies in to drink the nectar of Monarda 'Jacob Kline'. They favor red monarda.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bumble-beemonarda-close.jpgVersion 2Bumble bees prefer the lavender-pink monarda in our garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/section-of-red-monardanoon.jpgVersion 2Bright red M. didyma smells more spicy than than the pink M. fistulas.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/monardaboth-types.jpgVersion 2Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma are native to eastern Canada and the United States.2017-08-16T21:28:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/06/21/summer-solstice/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/monarchswampmilkweed.jpgVersion 2A monarch (Danaus plexippus) looks for nectar on the buds of swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_0023.jpgIMG_0023Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) buds will soon open to provide nectar to monarchs and many other insects.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/img_0024.jpgIMG_0024Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a favorite of bumble bees.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/bergamotred.jpgbergamotredMonarda 'Jacob Cline' begins to open. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/penstemon.jpgVersion 2'Husker red' beard tongue (Penstemon digitalis) has maroon stems and leaves.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/oenothera.jpgVersion 2Sundrops (Oenothera fruticosa) are a member of the evening primrose family. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/beewildgeranium.jpgVersion 2A bumble bee nectars in a wild geranium blossom (Geranium -----).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/damselflyjune.jpgVersion 2An eastern forktail (Ischnura verticalis) catches late-evening sun in the garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/lacewing.jpgVersion 2Lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea) eats aphids, mites and other garden pests,https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/wildrose.jpgVersion 2The first wild rose of the season.2017-07-30T13:51:04+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/06/09/my-mothers-peonies/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pinkpeony.jpgpinkpeonyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/redpeony.jpgredpeonyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/whitepeony.jpgwhitepeony2017-06-21T11:49:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/05/30/virginia-bluebells/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/bluebell-garden.jpgBluebell GardenVirginia bluebells grow with tiny blue-flowered Brunnera, variegated Solomon's seal, and sweet woodruff in my small woodland garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/bluebell-buds.jpgBluebell BudsVirginia bluebell's early leaves are purple-tinged and the flower buds are pink to purplish.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/bluebell-blossoms.jpgBluebell BlossomsVirginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) blossom throughout May in Minnesota.2017-05-30T22:38:46+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/05/07/blooming-crabs/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/whitecrabschool.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/whitecrab-close.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/mankatocrab-2.jpgVersion 2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pinkcrabblossoms.jpgVersion 22017-05-30T21:42:34+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/05/04/may-snow/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/apple-wsnow2.jpgVersion 2The snow didn't injure the blossoms of this more than 70-year-old Beacon apple tree, a hardy tree bred for Minnesota springs.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/applewsnow1.jpgVersion 2Heavy, wet snowflakes combine with apple blossoms on the first day of May in Saint Paul, MN.2017-05-07T15:50:25+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2017/01/23/january-thaw/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mourning-cloak1.jpgmourning-cloak1Living things like this mourning cloak and common milkweed, benefit from the hidden actions of fungi and moss under the snow.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/fire-moss.jpgfire-mossFire moss stays moist and green under the snow. It builds soil and helps control erosion. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bracket-fungi.jpgbracket-fungiBracket or shelf fungus, with their striations, remind me of freshwater clam shells.2017-01-24T13:08:28+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/11/23/the-ancient-ginkgo-tree/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ginkgomultileaf.jpgginkgomultileafGinkgo leaves change from bright yellow to deep gold as they age.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ginkgosingleleaf.jpgginkgosingleleafThe ginkgoes' beautiful leaves remind me of Asian hand fans.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ginkgowatson.jpgginkgowatsonPollution and disease-resistant ginkgo trees are planted as boulevard trees in St. Paul, MN.2016-11-23T17:45:44+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/11/06/november-honey-bee/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/rosehoney-bee.jpgrosehoney-beeA honey bee visits a 'Henry Kelsey' rose in early November.2016-11-06T20:13:44+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/10/05/metallic-green-bees/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/greenbeeblueaster.jpggreenbeeblueasterA green bee catches the warmth of the late afternoon sun.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/greenbeeaster.jpggreenbeeasterNative asters are a favorite of metallic green bees.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/greenbeehelenium.jpggreenbeeheleniumA metallic green bee (agapostemon) drinks nectar from a Helenium flower.2016-10-09T17:06:22+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/09/biodiversity-on-a-woodland-sunflower/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_4052-crescent.jpgIMG_4052 -crescentA crescent butterfly, most likely a northern crescent, sips nectar.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sunflower-soldierbeetle.jpgsunflower soldierbeetleGoldenrod soldier beetles are important pollinators of native sunflowers, goldenrod and tansy.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sunflowerladybug.jpgsunflowerladybugLadybug beetle on woodland sunflower.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sunflowerbee.jpgsunflowerbeeA female green metallic bee searches for nectar in a woodland sunflower.2016-10-05T18:03:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/09/22/september-days/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/pondth2.jpgpondth2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/pondth.jpgpondthhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/astersredadmiral.jpgastersredadmiralA red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) sips nectar from New England asters (Symphotrichum novae-anglica).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/whiteasters.jpgwhiteastersNative heath asters (Symphotrichum ericoides) are at their peak bloom now.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/buttereggsth.jpgbuttereggsthButter and eggs, or common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris Mill) was introduced by European settlers in the 1800s. Unfortunately, its bright flowers are considered invasive.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/goldenrodth.jpggoldenrodthPlumes of Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) surround a pond.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sunflowers.jpgsunflowersWoodland sunflowers (Helianthus divaricatus).2016-09-23T11:51:21+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/about/2021-01-27T00:24:03+00:00weekly0.6https://naturegardenlife.com/2016/08/18/the-doves-call/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dove1.jpgdove1Mourning doves are warm buff to soft gray in color with black speckles on the wings.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dove2.jpgdove2A mated pair of doves rest on the roof in the late afternoon sun.2016-08-19T22:27:15+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/07/28/garden-damsels-and-dragons/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/greendarner2.jpggreendarner2A common green darner (Anax junius) is one of the largest dragonflies.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/forktail.jpgforktailA thread-slender eastern forktail (Ishnura verticalis) damsel fly.2016-07-28T15:55:30+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/05/22/prairie-smoke/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/psmoke1.jpgpsmoke1Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) showing five dark pink outer petals covering five white inner ones.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/psmokeplume.jpgpsmokeplumeAnother seed plume of prairie smoke or old man's whiskers.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/smokewhisker2.jpgsmokewhisker2Prairie smoke seed plumes.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/psmoke0.jpgpsmoke0Fern-like, hairy foliage often stays green all winter and begins gowing in early spring.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/psmoke3.jpgpsmoke3Prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) flowers showing reddish outer petals over five white inner petals.2016-07-08T20:01:32+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/03/14/common-snowdrops/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0218.jpgIMG_0218Common snowdrops have three white outer tepals and three smaller inner tepals that are white and green.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_0216.jpgIMG_0216Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) often bloom in the snow, but this year the snow melted weeks ago.2016-03-15T00:23:05+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/03/11/early-spring-serenade-2/2016-03-14T15:36:24+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/03/05/late-winter-beauty/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/milkweedwhole.jpgmilkweedwholehttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ballerinaseeds2.jpgballerinaseeds2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/milkweedstars1.jpgmilkweedstars1Star-like snow crystals add beauty to common milkweed (Asclepia syriaca) in early March2016-03-11T14:19:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2016/02/09/silent-snow/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/pond-distant-deer.jpgPond Distant Deerhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/pond-deer-feeding.jpgPond Deer Feedinghttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/pond-snowy-day.jpgPond Snowy Day2016-02-09T14:57:26+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/07/03/gray-catbird-mimic-extraordinaire/2016-01-28T01:58:39+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/12/25/a-rose-eer-blooming/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/rosecard.jpgRosecard2016-01-02T21:32:41+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/12/21/winter-solstice/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/late-milkweed.jpglate milkweedA few seeds still cling to the soft, empty cup of a milkweed pod.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/winter-goldenrod.jpgwinter goldenrodFluffy goldenrod seeds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/img_4662-e1450642706996.jpgMiscanthusFlame grass seed heads.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/winterjoepye.jpgwinterjoepyeJoe-Pye seedheads.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/wintermoon2.jpgwintermoon2The mid-December moon is often visible during the day.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/grayskiesgeese.jpggrayskies:geese2015-12-22T13:55:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/11/07/late-autumn-insects/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lmboct.jpgLMBoctEarly instars of Large Milkweed Bughttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ladybugrose.jpgladybug:roseAsian lady beetle on 'Henry Kelsey' rose.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/asladygoldrod.jpgasladygoldrodAsian lady beetle on goldenrod.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/lmbnov.jpgLMB:novLarge milkweed bug in developmental stages.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/spotcucnov.jpgspotcuc:novSpotted Cucumber Beetle2015-11-08T16:34:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/09/07/2015-monarch-journey-south/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/monarchjoe-pye.jpgmonarch:joe-pyeA monarch drinks nectar from sweet Joe-Pye weed.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/monarchgolden.jpgmonarch:goldenMonarch resting on one of more than 40 species of goldenrod (Solidago) native to Minnesstota.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/monarchsnake.jpgmonarch:snakeMonarch resting on white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)2015-09-08T17:40:46+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/09/02/rainy-evening-gift/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/greendarner2a.jpggreendarner2ahttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/greendarner1a.jpggreendarner1aCommon Green Darner (Anax Junius).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/greendarner1.jpggreendarner12015-09-07T15:16:37+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2015/08/13/variety-in-an-urban-milkweed-patch/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/milkhoneybee2.jpgmilk:honeybee2A honey bee (Apis millifera).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/easternyellowjacket2.jpgeasternyellowjacket2An eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/syrphidfly2.jpgsyrphidfly2A hover fly or flower fly (Syrphidae).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/milkhummer2.jpgRuby-throated hummingbirdInsects aren't the only critters to favor milkweed nectar. Ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) frequently drink it, too. Insects aren't the only critters to favor milkweed nectar. Ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) frequently drink it, too.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/milkhummer.jpgHummer on milkweedInsects aren't the only critters to favor milkweed nectar. Ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) frequently drink it, too.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/monarch1.jpgMonarch on milkweedI never tire of seeing monarchs (Danaus plexipus) nectar on milkweed blossoms.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/redadmiral.jpgred admiralRed admiral butterflies (Vanessa atalanta) are attracted to the milkweed's nectar.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/milkbumble.jpgBumble bee on milkweedBumble bees (Bombus) of several different species are attracted to milkweed blossoms.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/milkhoneybee.jpgHoney Bee and MilkweedHoney bee (Apis melifera)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/eastern-yellowjacket.jpgeastern yellowjacketEastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons).2015-08-24T20:42:09+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/10/18/about-those-bumblers/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bumbleaster1.jpgbumble:aster1Common eastern bumble bees are active in autumn, even on cloudy, cool days.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bumbleveronica2.jpgbumble:veronica2Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) on Veronica.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bumbleclover2.jpgbumble:clover2A tricolored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius) rests on red clover.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bumblemonarda2a.jpgbumble:monarda2aA bumble bee (Bombus ----) nectars in monarda "Jacob Kline".https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/honey-bee2.jpghoney bee2Honeybee (Apis melifera) collecting pollen from sedum "autumn joy".https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bumblemonarda2.jpgbumble:monarda2A bumble bee (Bombus ----) nectars in monarda "Jacob Kline".https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/honeybee.jpghoneybeeHoneybee (Apis----) collecting pollen from sedum "autumn joy".2014-10-19T16:32:10+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/09/30/autumn-meadowhawk/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dragon3wings.jpgdragon3:wingsSunlight captures the beauty of this meadowhawk's wings. The ovipositor and the light red abdomen with faint black markings identifies it as a female autumn meadowhawk.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dragon2fem.jpgdragon2:femFemales are distinguished by the ovipositor visible near the end of the abdomen.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dragon1.jpgdragon1Adult male autumn meadowhawks are red with few or no markings on the abdomen.2014-10-17T14:07:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/08/10/hummingbird-clearwing-moth/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/hummoth1.jpghummoth1Clearwing hummingbird moths are white underneath and have pale-colored legs.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/hummoth2.jpghummoth2Clearwing hummingbird moths favor native monarda in our garden.2014-08-19T13:57:55+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/06/27/carrot-wasp/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/carrot-wasp1.jpgcarrot wasp1Carrot wasps have enlarged back legs and red-orange bands on the abdoment.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/carrot-wasp2.jpgcarrot.wasp2A slender carrot wasp nectars on agiopoda.2014-08-05T13:10:55+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/06/17/wild-columbine/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/columbine-1.jpgColumbine 1The "five doves" form the blossom and give columbine its common name.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/columbine-seed-pod.jpgColumbine seed podThe sticky green seed pod will ripen an split open to reveal shiny black seeds.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/columbine5.jpgcolumbine5A lavender hybrid of Canada columbine and Rocky Mountain columbine.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/columbine3.jpgColumbine3A cranberry-hued hybrid columbine thanks to the bees.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/columbine4.jpgcolumbine4Canada columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is native to eastern North America.2014-08-05T13:23:03+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/05/31/our-biodiverse-lawn/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/violets-clover.jpgviolets &cloverCanada violets and common blue violets grow in our backyard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/grassbeesquill.jpggrass,bee&squillSiberian squill bloom in the grass in April, but quickly disappear for the rest of the growing season.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/canada-violetsdandesions.jpgCanada violets:dandesionsCanada violets (Viola canadensis) and dandelions (Taraxacum officinale).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/violetsgrass.jpgviolets:grassCommon violets (Viola sororia) flourish in our backyard.2014-06-17T22:44:40+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/05/05/early-spring/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mixed-squill.jpgmixed squillA patch of striped squill and Siberian squill in our garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chinodoxa.jpgchinodoxaNewly opened Glory-of-the-Snow (Chinodoxa). https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/robinnest1.jpgrobinnest1American robins (Turdus migratorius) are building nests.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chippy2.jpgchippy2Eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are out of their dens.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/chippy.jpgchippyEastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are busy in the yard again.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tmwhite-throated-sparrow2.jpgTMwhite-throated sparrow2White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) © T.M. Murray 2014; used with permission.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tmwhite-throated-sparrow.jpgTMwhite-throated sparrowWhite-throated Sparrow (Zonothichia albicollis). © T.M. Murray; used with permission.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/striped-squill2.jpgstriped squill2Striped Squill (Puschkinis scilloides).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/crocus-blossoms2.jpgcrocus blossoms2Crocus blossoms (Crocus spp 'ladykiller')https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/crocus-buds.jpgcrocus budsCrocus buds (Crocus spp 'ladykiller).2014-05-30T02:57:33+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/04/18/hermit-thrush-visitors/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hermit4.jpghermit4https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hermit3.jpghermit3A hermit thrush eats berries from our patio planter.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hermit2.jpghermit2The hermit thrushes' rusty-colored tail is a good identifying characteristic.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/hermit1.jpghermit1A hermit thrush eats berries from our winter planter.2014-05-01T16:31:41+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/04/12/springs-first-green/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/spring-moss.jpgspring mossMelting snow waters and revives a tiny patch of moss.2014-04-14T00:27:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/03/17/morning-song/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/tmcardinal3.jpgTMcardinal32014 TM Murray; used with permission.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/cardinals.jpgcardinalsThis cardinal pair has nested in our hedge for the past two summers.2014-03-17T23:27:35+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/03/15/quaking-aspen-buds/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/aspen-catkins.jpgaspen catkinsThe season's first tiny catkin buds open on quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides).2014-03-15T17:08:11+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/02/25/ready-for-spring/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/crocus4.jpgcrocus4In 2013, our first crocus bloomed on April 20th in our north-facing garden). It is https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/frontyard-snow.jpgfrontyard snowIce and snow cover black spruce and a red maple in our front yard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/backyard-cropped1.jpgbackyard croppedFresh snow blankets white cedars in our backyard.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/backyard-cropped.jpgbackyard cropped2014-03-07T15:43:05+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2014/02/05/frost-flowers-and-a-few-wild-ones/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fringed-loosestrife.jpgfringed loosestrifeFringed loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata) a native perennial that is unrelated to the non-native, invasive purple loosestrife.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/native-asters.jpgnative astersNew England aster also known as Michaelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ironweed.jpgironweedVernonia fasciculata also know as smooth ironweed and prairie ironweed.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bergamot.jpgBergamotMonarda fistulosa also known as bergamot and beebalm.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/frost4.jpgfrost4https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/frost2.jpgfrost2https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/frost5.jpgfrost5https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/frost3.jpgfrost3https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/frost1.jpgfrost12014-03-15T15:18:39+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/12/28/december-thaw/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dec-rosehip.jpgdec.rosehipSnow melts on the still-green stems and hips of Rosa 'Henry Kelsey".2013-12-29T16:14:12+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/12/23/northern-christmas-greetings/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/miscanthus.jpgmiscanthusMiscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens' https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pinksky2.jpgpinksky2Evening sky and Black Hiils spruce, St. Paul, Minnesota.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/johnwoods.jpgjohnwoodsRed pines in the St. John's Arboretum, Collegeville, Minnesota.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/johngrass.jpgjohngrassGrasses and wildflower seed heads at the St. John's Arboretum, Collegeville, Minnesota2013-12-29T00:36:28+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/12/17/winter-sky/2013-12-19T03:55:43+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/12/06/first-sticking-snow/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/winterwoods.jpgwinterwoodshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/appletrunk.jpgappletrunkSnow softens the rough bark of 70-year-old beacon apple tree (Malus "beacon").https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/boxwood.jpgboxwoodSnow frosts an evergreen Korean boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/coneflower1.jpgconeflower1A purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) seed head sparkles with beads of sleet.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/appleleaf1.jpgappleleaf1A single apple leaf...https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/barberrysnow.jpgbarberrysnowRed leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii atropupurea berries are coated with freezing rain and snow.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/magnolia1.jpgmagnolia1Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) buds are coated in snow.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/citysnow.jpgcitysnowThe season's first snow that is likely to remain until spring.2013-12-09T22:26:05+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/11/23/milkweed-seeds/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/milkweed-bee.jpgmilkweed & beeLast summer a bumblebee fertilized the flower that formed the milkweed pod I photographed above.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/milkweed2.jpgmilkweed2Before the pod opens, the milkweed seeds are tightly arranged in orderly rows around a central core.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/milkweed1.jpgmilkweed1The delicate-looking seeds of common milkweed escape their pods.2013-11-24T14:08:15+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/11/19/november-moonrise/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/moon2.jpgmoon2November moonrise through red maple (Acer rubrum).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/moon1.jpgmoon1The November moon rises in mid-afternoon.2013-11-20T13:45:17+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/11/17/late-season-ladybugs-and-a-lacewing/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/lacewing-nov.jpglacewing Nov.A green lacewing perched on a window screen soaks up suns itself. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ladybug3.jpgladybug3Like native ladybug species, Asian ladybugs eat large numbers of garden and agricultural pests, such as aphids.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ladybug2.jpgladybug2Individual Asian ladybugs show greater variation in color and number of spots number of spots amohttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ladybug1.jpgladybug1An Asian ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) soaks up the afternoon sun.2013-11-18T12:58:37+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/11/05/november-maples/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/maple-lawn.jpgmaple lawnA bright patchwork sewn of maple leaves decorates our front lawn. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/leaf-in-yew.jpgleaf in yewA maple leaf, 'autumn blaze', glows against the dark green of a yew where it was trapped by the wind.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/koreanmaple.jpgkoreanmapleA southwest wind blew together a small pile of maple and apple leaves with ash keys nestled next to blue fescue 'Elijah blue'.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/maplestreet.jpgmaplestreetSeveral species of maple show their colors on our St. Paul, MN, avenue. 2013-11-07T23:58:42+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/11/02/autumn-leaves-part-ii/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/aspenleaves.jpgAspen leavesAspen leaves tremblein the most gentle breeze and create a soothing rustle.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/aspens.jpgAspensA grove of quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) grows west of our cabin.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/hazelnut.jpghazelnutAmaerican hazelnut (Corylus americana) bushes grow in thickets along the riverbank. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/whiteoak.jpgwhiteoakBur Oak or Mossycup Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) leaves turn yellow or brown in autumn.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/red-oak.jpgred oakNorthern red oak (Quercus rubra) is a member of the Beech family.2013-11-03T15:22:16+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/23/first-hard-frost-of-autumn/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/henry.jpgHenryRosa 'Henry Kelsey' (Canadian Explorer Series) survived the season's first hard frost.2013-10-24T21:56:58+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/21/autumn-leaves/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ash1.jpgash1 Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is one of the first trees to change color and drop its leaves.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ashcherry.jpgash:cherryLemony ash leaves (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) fall and mingle with Canada cherry leaves (Prunus virginiana).2013-10-21T21:56:26+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/17/autumn-garden-creatures/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/bumble-bee.jpgBumble beeA bumble bee (Bombus) nectars on Sedum 'autumn joy'.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/honeybee.jpghoneybeeA honey bee nectars on garlic chive blossoms (Allium tuberosum).https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/looper4.jpglooper4Celery looperhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/chipmunk-sp.jpgchipmunk spAn eastern chipmunk surveys the backyard from its perch on our back steps.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/syrphid2.jpgsyrphid2Another species of Syrphid fly pollinates garden asters.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/syrphid-fly.jpgsyrphid flyA Syrphid fly, (Eristalis) pollinates native goldenrod.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/looper1.jpglooper1Celery looper ( ): Frontal view with wings spread.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/looper.jpgLooperA celery looper ( ) nectars on Sedum 'autumn joy'.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/autumnmeadowhawkf.jpgautumnmeadowhawkfA female autumn meadowhawk dragonfly(Sympetrum vicinum) rests on a deutzia bush.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/meadowhawkm.jpgmeadowhawkmA male autumn meadowhawk dragonfly (Sympetrum vicinum) suns on a stone wall in the garden.2013-10-23T13:33:58+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/12/october-garden/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/goldenrod2.jpgGoldenrod2Native goldenrod https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/russian-sage.jpgRussian sageRussian sage (Perovskia atriplicafolia) with Rosa 'Henry Kelsey' (Canadian Explorer series) in the background. https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/hyacinthbean.jpghyacinthbeanA few hyacinth beans (Dolichos lablab) continue to blossom.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/morningglory.jpgMorninggloryPurple morning glories last all day in the gentler autumn sunlight.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mummary-stoker.jpgMumMary StokerThe yellow bloom of Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Mary Stoker' will develop pink highlights as it ages.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/thin-leavedconeflower.jpgThin-leavedconeflowerThin-leaved coneflower (Rudbeckia triloba) is a native wildflower that appeared under our ash tree a few summers ago. The tree is a favorite perch for birds and gray squirrels and https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/troutlily.jpgToadlilyJapanese toad lily (Tricyrtis)https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/astergreenbee.jpgaster:greenbeeAster novii-belgi with green bee (https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/wood-asters.jpgwood astersDwarf wood asters (Aster novi-belgii 'Woods pink')2014-08-05T13:17:09+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/09/early-october-wildflowers-zigzag-goldenrod/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/zigzagpatch.jpgzigzagpatchA patch of zigzag goldenrod grows in dappled sun near a hazelnut thicket along the banks of the Snake River in east central Minnesotahttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/zigzagwasp.jpgzigzagwaspZigzag goldenrod with aerial yellowjacket (Dolichovespula arenia).2013-10-09T17:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/06/early-october-wildflowers-spotted-jewelweed/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/jewelweed.jpgjewelweedSpotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)blossom and ripening seed pods.2013-10-07T02:52:47+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/10/03/lake-darner-dragonfly/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dragonfly.jpgdragonflyA lake darner dragonfly (Aeshna eremita) rests in the sun.2013-10-16T13:59:54+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/27/orange-sulphur-butterfly/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_4932.jpgOrange sulphur butterflyAn orange sulphur butterfly (Colias eurytheme) drinks nectar from garden phlox.2013-09-30T01:36:07+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/24/misty-autumn-morning/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/misty-river2.jpgmisty river2Autumnal equinox on the Snake River.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/misty-river.jpgmisty riverEarly morning mist swirls over the Snake River in Pine County, Minnesota.2013-09-27T21:38:14+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/19/september-garden/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/chelone.jpgcheloneNative white turtlehead (Chelone glabra) brightens up a shady spot in the gardenhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_4467.jpgIMG_4467A monarch sips nectar from a spotted Joe-Pye weed plant.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_4593-spiderjpg.jpgfunnel spiderJPGA funnel spider spun its web among the helenium plants.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/calico-aster.jpgHeath asterHeath asters (Symphyotrichum ericoides) is native to the eastern and midwestern United States and Canada.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/frt-w-fmeadowhawk.jpgfrt.w-fmeadowhawkA male white-faced meadowhawk dragonfly.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/asters.jpgAstersAsters with spotted Joe-Pye weed and Japanese anemones2013-09-20T21:23:45+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/16/red-admiral-butterfly/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/un.jpgunThe mottled underwings are marked with a pink bar and white spotting in the forewing.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/up.jpgupThe red-barred upper wings of a red admiral that perched on my leg.2013-09-19T21:15:55+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/12/bumblebee-buzz-pollination/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sonication2.jpgsonication2A bumblebee buzz pollinates a Japanese anemone in our garden.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sonication.jpgsonicationA bumblebee buzz pollinates a Japanese anemone in our garden.2013-09-13T00:34:51+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/09/04/bottle-gentians/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bee-and-gentian2.jpgBee and gentian2After pollinating the gentian, the bumble bee backs out of the bloom.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/bee-enters-gentian.jpgBee enters gentianA bumble bee pushes its way into the closed bloom.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/gentian2.jpggentian2Bottle gentians grow in sunny, moist patches.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/gentian.jpggentianBottle gentians grow in moist, sunny patches.2013-09-05T12:21:23+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/30/monarchs-and-joe-pye-weed/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/monarch1.jpgmonarchA monarch sips Joe-Pye weed nectar in early-morning sunlight.2013-08-30T15:46:08+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/28/annual-cicadas/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/exoskel.jpgexoskeletonA molted exoskeleton, or hard outer casing of an annual cicada nymph, attached to the bark of our apple tree.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cicada.jpgcicadaAnnual cicada sitting among plants and needles beneath our spruce tree.2013-08-30T14:03:52+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/22/after-the-shower/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/daylily-fronds.jpgdaylily frondshttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/japanese-anemone.jpgJapanese anemoneJapanese anemone blossom and buds2024-03-20T21:48:30+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/20/on-the-banks-of-the-snake-river-st-croix-basin/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_3378.jpgIMG_3378https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/imgsunflowerjpg.jpgIMGSunflower?JPGWoodland sunflowerhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/false-sol-seal.jpgFalse Sol. SealFalse Solomon's Seal Berries2013-08-21T02:13:50+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/15/in-the-garden-2/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_366morning-glory.jpgIMG_366morning gloryhttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lobelia-1.jpglobelia 1Perennial lobeliahttps://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tie-dye-helenium.jpgtie-dye heleniumSneezeweed or helenium, variety 'tie dye'https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/phlox.jpgphloxphlox 'Katherine' and black-eyed Susan's2013-08-16T01:06:06+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/09/striped-hairstreak-butterfly/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/striped-hairstreak1.jpgstriped hairstreak2013-08-14T01:48:54+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/07/30/bumble-bee-on-native-monarda/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_31461-e1375210007794.jpgBumble bee on native monarda2013-08-13T17:40:39+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/11/baby-birds/https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_3358.jpgIMG_3358https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/baby-robin.jpgBaby robin.https://naturegardenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_33521.jpgIMG_33522013-08-12T21:53:41+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.com/2013/08/11/common-milkweed-3/2013-08-11T22:28:28+00:00monthlyhttps://naturegardenlife.comdaily1.02024-11-01T00:59:52+00:00