The Dayton Prairie

Only remnants remain, mostly re-created in the local parks. As fall ushers in the end of the year, things are still blooming, still storing nutrients against the bleak winter. This was a perfect day to go walk through the tall grasses and feel the caress of the ceaseless wind. 

I took the First Reader with me, and we walked and talked for a mile. It was still early enough there was dew on the grasses, and the insects were not active quite yet. It's cool later in the day and their time is growing very short. They know this and the afternoon activity is frenetic. 

Grasshopper on Prairie Dock bloom

Even as late as it is, there are still many things in bloom. 

New England Aster and Canada Goldenrod make a lovely color combination.

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) can tower up to 10 feet over the prairie floor. It's also a good indication of nearby water.

New England Aster will grow in full sun and part shade, and is a welcome bright color in the world of browns and yellows while Autumn sets in her color palette.

Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) is still blooming, months after it began.

Goldenrod, the much-maligned but so important bee (and other pollinators!) plant of the Fall.

We all want to watch the sun at this time of the year, catching the final warmth before it sinks below the horizon to reappear as the pale, weak sun of the winter.