Blooming in the corner bed that leads to a short path to the entrance of my vegetable and flower garden, purple-flowering New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis), pictured above, grew to 10 feet tall this summer, 11 feet in 2024. References list its height as two to seven feet. The individuals at my place do not key out as Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima), which appears to be a more southerly species, among other differences. Botany and soil science are dynamic disciplines!
The large white blossoms with rose-red centers are Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). The shorter, waning plants, below, are Swamp Milkweed (Aesclepius incarnata). To the left, brilliant red Cardinal Flower. (Click here for a handy plant finder.)
The rich soil of the garden bed holds moisture, supporting these native plants found in the wild bordering lakes and ponds. Garlic chives (Alium tuberosum), growing to 24 inches in the center foreground, is of Asian origin. Its interest is aesthetic and culinary.
Prolific along country roads and suitable, with oversight, in the polyculture garden, native Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana) bears attractive small white flowers followed by the seed heads, shown here.
Merveille des Quatre Saisons Lettuce “Marvel of four seasons.”
Composing a salad in a hand-thrown and -painted, footed bowl is a treat for the composer and the recipient alike. The blossoms are: spicy nasturtium, mild borage, and pleasant garlic chive in its umbel. The garlic chive florets are best pulled out of the umbel and sprinkled about. Notice the yellow-painted skin of the Green Zebra tomato. It is a full-flavored, ripe tomato.
