It was an unusually cool and damp Sunday for August, and Dennis and I went to the arboretum. We both needed a break from the constant news din from Ferguson. Even though we live a few miles from there, there is a low-frequency vibration in the air, a tension of not knowing where it will all go. So, we got out into the cool air, it smelled wonderful out at the arboretum, a rich, late summer/early fall smell of ripening fruits, decaying plants, different from the crisp smell of spring but just as sensuous, everything preparing to go back to the earth for rest and regeneration. The summer has been unusually mild here, with few of the 90 and 100-degree plus days I get used to but never learn to enjoy. Fruits were plenty- the critters will have lots to fatten up with before winter.
Green Dragon Fruits
Solomon’s seal
Paw paw fruits- Dennis and his grandfather used to gather a 5-gallon bucket of them in the fall, and his grandmother made pies and puddings, taste like bananas, he says.
Passion flower
Prairie- this was burned to the ground in early spring but you wouldn’t guess it now.
Pond had more water than last time we were here
Bluestem grass blowing in breeze
The creek was muddy from recent rains
Persimmon trees were heavy with fruit
Goldenrod
The Glade
The Draw
Pinguid 