The dog days of summer feel like they’re here.  The prairies are blazin’, our pollinators buzzin’ and our lilies are burstin’! It will only be eight short weeks before the dry air of September begins to usher back into Ohio.  Visit the Arboretum or Garden soon to take in the best blooms of summer.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

This week’s must-visit spot is the C.K. Patrick Perennial Border.  Typically a pass through area between the Rose Garden and our giant red oak, you’ll be sure to stop right now and admire the wonderful lilies From the creamy-orange forestlake ragamuffin daylily to the several types of tall orienpet lily hybrids, you’ll be captivated.  I watched as visitors late afternoon visitors stared in wonder at the head-high and taller blooms.  The yellows, whites, and magentas are spectacular.

Holden Arboretum

At the Arboretum this week, take a stroll through our prairie area in the Wildflower Garden.  There are three plants that stood out to me this week.  The feathery blossoms of queen-of-the-prairie are up and near peak. This Ohio native in the rose family is becoming increasingly popular as a landscape plant. Sullivant’s milkweed, the rare prairie-obligate cousin of common milkweed with sessile leaves, is also blooming along the mowed paths.  Finally, at the top of the hill, find a spectacular display of the orange-flowered butterfly milkweed.  Like its relatives common and Sullivant’s, this milkweed can host the Monarch Butterfly.

Enjoy the summer!  It’s a bit humid, but we’ve been having relatively cool July temperatures, perfect for a trip to see your favorite pollinators and plants. It’s poppin’ out there!