The annual American basket-flowers are nearing the end of their cycle. There are still a few stalwarts blooming, but basket-flower foliage is crispy, most flowers are spent, and seeds are scattered and scattering. Those flowers still flowering are doing what flowers do: opening prettily for the gardener and supplying sustenance for the pollinators.
Pollinators–native bees, honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds–are active at the baskets in the early morning hours, before searing, oven-like heat sets in and the baskets close for business. Just after daybreak, there are many honeybees and nearly as many American Bumblebees at the baskets, partaking of the flowers’ gifts.
The Bumbles crawl in, around, and through the lavender filaments, adorning themselves with pollen, afterwards moving to the next available bloom. The insects buzz by one another, focused on their next landing, seemingly aware that sharing space is a necessity. Some rules of the road are employed by these critters, as there’s never a crash, nor a disputed landing spot.
The bumblebees move constantly, with determination, alighting on as many flowers as possible in the few hours that the flowers beckon.
I estimate that in a week’s time, there will only be a few of these stunning wildflowers remaining in the garden. I’ll miss them with their glorious, elegant blooms, dramatic heights, and wildlife they attract, but time moves on, seasons evolve, plants change and die. It’s time. Pollinators will segue to other flowering plants as the garden advances into August.
Thousands of seeds have dropped, a few picked up by birds and maybe squirrels; most lie dormant in the soil for the near future. Winter’s cold and rain, coupled with spring’s dew and longer days will encourage germination and growth of the seeds. Most of the seedlings which appear will be pulled and composted, but those left will continue their path towards beauty and life. Next summers’ bounty is already in play.
My Gardener Says... 
It’s good that you (and the insects) are still getting to enjoy the last of your basket-flowers. As you said, the thousands of dropped seeds bode well for next spring’s bounty.
Until last week a few low basket-flowers were still budding or flowering at the Floral Park Dr. entrance to Great Hills Park but then the city mowed that strip. At least most of the wildflowers there had already gone to seed by then.
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They’ve been a real joy to watch. A bit of work, with weeding up the extra (which I didn’t do nearly enough) and keeping them deadheaded, as best I could.
Darn mowers!
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Dear Tina.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your blossoms and bees, bumbling or otherwise. Each passing of a generation of flowers comes with a little sadness, but as you so beautifully describe, some other flowers will display their splendor next, and this year’s basketflowers have already made provisions for next year.
I hope late July and August will bring some relief from the relentless heat.
Best,
Tanja
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Thank you, Tanja! There is a sadness when the season for a plant is done, be it an annual or perennial. But it’s part of the cycle and I prefer plants that have seasons. To me, a ‘yard’ or ‘garden’ that looks the same year-round is a bore and usually, it’s also a sterile landscape, which I dislike.
I hope our heat will break, too, but usually August is hotter than July. 😦
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I agree that it’s nicer to have a succession of different plants in one’s garden, and I look forward to the next round. Our rabbitbrush won’t even start to bloom until August, but it will last until late autumn, depending on the weather.
Speaking of weather, I hope we can all cope . . .
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We’re just hunkered down with the heat for now. I have some re-working in spots of the gardens (as always…), but can’t do anything until October, at the earliest. Teaches patience. 🙂
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Are the plants annuals? I think we are too wet for those.
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They are annuals and I’m adding the link for the BONAP map for American Basket-flower. You probably can grow it. Send me a ‘contact me’ email and I’ll send you some seeds if you want some. The world needs as many basket flowers as possible. 🙂
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Saving basket-flower seeds is wonderful fun. It’s always amazing to see how many are tucked down into the basket, under all that fluff. I got pretty skilled at using my thumb to dislodge them, and then using a pie plate to ‘winnow’ away the fluff. I really regret that I missed them this year, but it just hasn’t been a summer for roaming around to their prime territory — and the danged mowers and road construction crews eliminated the stands that were closest to home. That’s all right. They’re not only sturdy, they’re persistent. They’ll be back next year.
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Such a pretty flower… I love that it recycles itself!
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And then some! But is a lovely flower and the pollinators and I have enjoyed it!
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What a pretty flower–lucky bees. Your photos are wonderful.
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