The Woods

In the woods north of the house.

Apple blossoms.

At the edge of the yard.

More apple blossoms.

Cottonwoods

This is the first year this seedling has had fruit.

One of several birdhouses (early spring.)

At the edge of driveway.

 At the edge of the yard.

Monarch butterfly feeding on the late blooming lilacs. Soon there will be caterpillars on the milkweeds in the wildflower garden

Milkweed beginning to bloom in the butterfly garden.

American plum trees.

American plumbs --- not ripe yet!

Raspberries are great on ice cream or pancakes!

Fall colors.

The north side of the house as viewed from the woods. Wildflowers on septic mound

A Small Wetland Restoration

Cattails, sedges and frogs. We've also had several ducks nest at the edge of the wetland in recent years.

Picture below, not on the property.  

The old county gravel pit is about a half-mile away from the property and is a popular swimming and fishing spot. 

The Prairie Restoration Project

In the meadow next to the driveway I have established a number of native plants by seed, transplanting and controlled burning.

There are a number of species including blazing star, big bluestem, and prairie clover.

There are more blazing stars this year than last.

Mayflowers.

 The Yellow Indian Moccasin orchids were doing well this spring. Many native flowers bloom mid-summer, so will continue to arrive daily.

 Wild Roses

 Finding beauty in the small things.

Prairie at the edge of the woods.

Where we provide habitat the wildlife will come. This songster was in the prairie meadow today. (photo 7/11/2015.)

 Unidentified white flowers on single stem. (7/11/2015)

Echinacea

Goldenrod

Brown-eyed Susan. (7/11/2015)