Prairie in Mid-June

 Over the years, I've posted many times about the prairie which runs through our development (just search "prairie" on my blog for more pictures). I'm so glad that the folks designing this area decided not to fill the space with even more houses. I enjoy walking through the prairie from spring until fall and noticing how the seasons change. that's been especially important to me as I've gone through some rough times in the past few years. Walks through the prairie allow me to clear my head, like hitting a "re-set" button.

Here are a few shots from my recent walk through the prairie. As you can see, not much is blooming...YET!
 

These tall grasses (little blue stem, I believe) will develop purplish tips as the summer pushes into fall. The lavender haze is beautiful from a distance.

 

Here's a view from one side of the path. I should find out exactly how many acres are devoted to this prairie. But trust me, it's very large!

 
Here's the view as you start down the path. It's a perfect spot for walking or biking. They mow the grass near the path for better visibility.

 

 The clover is in full bloom right now! The scent is amazing.

In order to rid the prairie of weeds, it has to be burned now and then. It's amazing how quickly the plants come back after a complete burn. You can really see a difference in the restored prairie!

I like to walk in the early evening, just as the sun is sinking low in the sky. The light creates colors which are truly beautiful.

 

Ahhh, milkweed...This is NOT a weed! It's monarch butterfly food!

 

I'm so thankful to be able to walk through the prairie and take in the beauty of nature!
Janet