Following the Footsteps at Forest Edge

I HAD withdrawn in forest, and my song
Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway;
And to the forest edge you came one day
(This was my dream) and looked and pondered long,
But did not enter, though the wish was strong:       
You shook your pensive head as who should say,
‘I dare not—too far in his footsteps stray—
He must seek me would he undo the wrong.

Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all
Behind low boughs the trees let down outside;        
And the sweet pang it cost me not to call
And tell you that I saw does still abide.
But ’tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof,
For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.
A Dream Pang from a Boy's Will by Robert Frost 

The Deep Blue Great Lobelia

In the shade of the swampy areas at Coffee Creek the blue of Great Lobelia is providing late summer color.

This wildflower is the blue cousin of the Cardinal Flower, a red wildflower also currently in bloom.

Late Summer Bouquet

Goldenrod and Obedient Plant make up a summer into autumn bouquet at Coffee Creek Park.

The last of the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds buzz through the flower filled fields in a frantic effort before the first freeze takes it all.

Passing Through

Resting on a zinnia in the garden, this butterfly came to me. It was plainly worn out, but after a time, it gathered some nourishment and continued on its way. Hopefully it will reach its destination.

Goldenrod

Bane of allergy sufferers, yet representing good luck to others, weed in America, treasured garden plant in Europe, Goldenrod is loved and hated the world over.

The harbinger of fall, Goldenrod is coloring the landscape of Indiana gold today, as the nights turn chilly and the harvest is reaped of the fields.

Pea

A delicate member of the pea family grows wild next to the Kankakee River.

American Ginseng

Bright red berries of American Ginseng light up the shade of forest. This plant has leaves in clusters of 5 and is considered an aphrodisiac by some.