Sunday Letter: 06.04.23

Dear Sunday Letter friends,

In case you haven’t noticed, June is here in all her magnificent glory.

June occupies that special in-between place, basking between the cool shade of April and the steamy pavement of August. It’s the time for quick family getaways and lush garden tours. Coneflowers burst into bloom, and locally grown fruit and veggies hit the roadside stands. Berries, melons, and tomatoes, oh my. There’s always something juicy to eat, isn’t there?

While the world is still fresh and green, I’ll sit on the porch and wait for the first lightning bugs to come out. Have you seen one yet?

Lightning Bugs

Since the season of lightning bugs is here, I thought I’d share a few fun facts about everyone’s favorite insect:

• There are 2,000 species of lightning bugs;
• Lightning bugs are found on every continent except Antarctica;
• This insect belongs to the beetle family Lampyridae, which means ‘shining fire’ in Latin;
• The glow of the lightning bug is the result of a chemical reaction called bioluminescence;
• The light show is a form of communication among fireflies trying to attract a mate;
• They do not bite or sting;
• Fireflies help to control garden pests like slugs and aphids;
• If you do trap them in a jar (a fun thing for kids to do), let them out within the hour;
• They live about two months; and,
• To attract more lightning bugs, grow native vegetation, install a water feature, don’t mow so often, and avoid pesticides.

Rose-Scented Bee Balm (Monarda)

One of the very best things about June is bee balm. Every day a new blossom shakes its shaggy head open and scents the air with its sweet fragrance. My friend, Gail, passed along a start of this particular rose-scented variety, and now it grows in several places in our garden.

No kidding, the leaves of this plant smell like heirloom roses, making this Monarda didyma variety a true garden changer. Not to mention, bees + butterflies adore it.

Our scarlet bee balm is also beginning to put on a show. Come 4th of July, these blossoms will look like fireworks. (Mother Nature is timely that way.)

This plant truly is a wonder with its medicinal properties and many practical uses. The leaves and dried flower heads of Monarda make an aromatic tea.

Of course, I’m not a doctor or healer, so don’t take my word for it. Instead, read about it HERE. 

This Place Matters

During May (which was National Historic Properties Month) the Washington County Historical Society placed This Place Matters signs at historic properties throughout our county.

I LOVE this!

I noticed this particular sign at the Headquarters House while working in the gardens on a recent Tuesday morning.

The Headquarters House, built in 1850, served as headquarters for both the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War. Now the property is a museum open for tours and events. And, the Washington County Master Gardeners (WCMG) maintain the surrounding heirloom gardens as one of our sanctioned projects (which is why I was there in the first place).

The properties highlighted in May by the historical society no doubt already have historical markers on site—I mean, isn’t the whole point of a historical marker to remind and remember the place as significant? These signs provide a bit of well-deserved, extra attention.

Now I’m inspired to visit all the historic properties in my county. With 110, I best get busy.

Things Momma Says:

I don’t really like wine with food.

***

This week passed in a blur, and I have a feeling the remainder of the year will vanish just as quickly. Seriously, we’ll blink our eyes and be counting down to the holidays soon. With this in mind, let’s all try to slow down and savor the week ahead, notice all of June’s goodness. Maybe you’ll even see a lightning bug!

Bye for now my Sunday Letter faithful,

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.