yarrow

To try to motivate myself to post more regularly, I want to start a series called Meadow Monday. I am going to challenge myself to take new pictures of my backyard meadow (in progress) every weekend or Monday and write about anything new or interesting that I find going on out there.

This past week, I’ve noticed an explosion of goldenrod. Which is interesting as in some cultures it is considered a sign of good luck!

Goldenrod

If you look carefully at this picture, there is a caterpillar on the plant- the kind that turns into a butterfly or moth (I think). Here’s a closeup:

Caterpillar??

Goldenrod is considered a weed here in the U.S., but is actually cultivated and planted in many gardens across Europe. It’s also become an invasive species in China. Here you can see a fraction of what is growing in my backyard. It lends a nice bit of color now that most of the other flowers have died down.

Field of Goldenrod

It has been so hot and dry here, I really want to encourage the plants that thrive in spite of the weather. Most of the pretty yarrow I had a month ago:

Yarrow

Has now died and dried out. It is still visually interesting however, as they clusters become almost black, and the really pop out against the rest of the field.

Cluster of Dried Yarrow

The contrast is really striking:

Dried Yarrow

I’ve had a bit more wildlife activity in the backyard too. A couple of weeks ago I looked out the window and spotted a little fox sitting calmly at the edge of the meadow, not too far from the house. He saw me, and before I could take a picture he disappeared. This is my first fox spotting on the property! I am so happy to think of a fox enjoying the meadow too.

And finally, just because I want to, a picture of some pretty pink clouds seen from my driveway.