log

 Every pond needs a log for turtles to sit on while sunning themselves.

It will probably be used by birds hunting aquatic prey, damselflies drying their wings, and frogs.

boneset, golden in autumn

One native wildflower here displays tufts of seeds that look golden, although the plants are still vital with green leaves.  The seeds have fluffy hairs to carry them on the wind.
 

vervain, golden in autumn

 

Blue Verain Verbena hastata gave a blue-purple pop of color to the pond area in summer. 

Now, the seeds stand glowing against the green reeds. 

golden alexanders, golden in autumn

 

Among the yellow, purple, and white flowers in the riparian area surrounding the pond, the Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea have long gone to seed.  

They bloomed a sunny yellow in May and June. Now, the seeds still stand in umbels on strong stems.  The entire plant material remaining turns a golden purple-tinged color -- lovely among the autumn asters.

purple asters

 

New England Asters

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

bloom along with the white and lavender 

colored asters around the pond. 

 They add to the display of riotous color

 in late summer.

seed harvest

 

Birds are already pecking out the sunflower seeds (top) and goldenrod flowers are releasing each seed with pappus, a tuft of hair that helps it disperse in breezes (bottom).

bee on asters

 

The asters are abuzz with pollinators.  While standing among the wildflowers, I hear the buzzing as loud and pleasant.  There are many Panicled Aster Symphyotrichum lanceolatum plants in the riparian area around the pond.  The nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract many kinds of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles.  I have not seen any Wild Turkey here, but they feed on the seeds and foliage of aster plants.  Maybe some day . . . 

monarch on reed