Although we’ve had many hot days, gardens near the millpond still have a fresh, bright green appearance. Later, as heat intensifies, leaves turn from yellow-green to blue-green and start to rattle in the wind. You can actually ‘hear’ summer when it happens although the buzz of cicadas often drowns it out.
Pink stars grace a raised bed beside the millpond thanks to plantings done by the City of Brighton (top and bottom). While it’s beautiful, Purple Loosestife (left) isn’t a welcome guest in America from its European origins. It should be unceremoniously ripped from the earth because it severely clogs wetlands and makes it impossible for native, often endangered, plants to grow. A single plant grows near the city hall but I’m not worried about it. Some park visitor will surely pick it before it sets seeds.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s garden hosts several clumps of bright gold coreopsis. It’s always a welcome summer flower. Each of these images click through to larger versions.
