Summer Wildflowers Burst with Color and Life

Wildflowers are in full swing this time of year. Yellow, white, lavender and more — as one species fades, nature has another ready to bloom in its place. Replicate this slow-motion fireworks show of blossoms in your own yard to provide never-ending beauty and constant food sources for pollinators. Choosing a variety of flower shapes can also support diversity. Flat, disk-like flowers such as coneflowers and coreopsis are easiest for butterflies to land on, while tubular flowers fit the beaks of hummingbirds and allow bees to climb inside.

The best parks for summer wildflower viewing include Springfield Bog, Liberty Park and F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. Explore the parks and get inspiration for your own landscape. Remember, the coming fall months are a great time to plant if you want to enjoy a blooming show of your own next year! You can find a list of local native plant vendors at bit.ly/WildBackYards.

Related to the tropical hibiscus of Hawaii, these large blossoms thrive in wet soils.

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Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) This monarch butterfly host plant maintains a compact shape perfect for home gardening.

Flowering shrubs can also add beauty and benefit to your landscape.