Garlic Mustard

Garlic Mustard  have been growing along the marsh road.  I see more this year than last.  Although they are beautiful and their name sounds tasty - they are on the DNR Prohibited list.  I understand some people help out by eating them.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Sumac Turning Red

Summer is progressing and signs of autumn are starting a little here and there.  The Staghorn Sumac is reddening.  Some people gather the fruit from this and brew a tart tea.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Bee Balm, Patriotic Tea

This bursting 'fireworks' bloom is Wild Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm.  Many Native Americans have long used  this and other varieties of this plant for food and medicine, often as a tea.  They introduced this plant to the Shakers and during the time after the Boston Tea Party, many colonists used this as a substitute for English tea.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Cattail Pollen?

I noticed a fine bright film on the water while on my walk this past Tuesday.  My first thought was algae or something else not good.  Today I saw something that made me think otherwise.  As a Red-Wing Blackbird landed on one the cattails, yellow-green dust proofed up like a cloud.  The cattails are in bloom!  I hear their pollen makes nutritious pancakes.

Enjoy!

~ Robin

Garlic Mustard

This years crop of Garlic Mustard is starting to bloom at the park.  This interesting flower is invasive.  However, it is also considered both a tasty and nutritious edible wildflower.  One of the local parks had a harvesting event.  I must admit that I have not been so adventurous to try it myself.

Enjoy!                                                                                                                                                                     

~ Robin