I’ve been thinking about beauty in the decay and decided to jot down my thoughts and share them with you. This is the time of year some flowers begin looking sad, all shriveled up and tired to the roots. Certain perennial varieties, like blooding heart, die back altogether. This is all part of the process. And it isn’t a bad thing.
But What About My Coneflowers??!
I’ve recently noticed so many panicked social media posts specifically about coneflowers. Folks are worried their coneflowers have succumbed to a disease or fallen prey to an insect. Sure, they no longer look June-vibrant, but rest assured they are right on track for the way they should look at the tail-end of summer. A bit tired. Droopy like wilted romaine. Sunburned even.
The important thing to know is that these end of summer flowers are still benefiting nature in an essential way. In fact, coneflowers are in full wildlife support mode during August and September.
Just ask the goldfinches! They’ll tell you coneflower seeds are their favorite food.
If there was ever a reason to NOT cut back your coneflowers, these little guys are it. 💛💛💛
With Respect to Decay…
Something I’ve learned over the past few years—if a yard looks pristine with golf course grass and perfect shrubs and flowers, that yard is likely providing very little (possibly zero) benefit to nature. Native plants provide beauty in the decay because they are a food source for caterpillars, birds, and other pollinators.
It’s a very good thing when plants don’t always look picture-perfect.
Our spicebush provides the perfect example.
See how the leaves are rolled and chewed on? That happens as the spicebush caterpillar feeds on the leaves. Spicebush caterpillars become spicebush swallowtails, and the world absolutely needs more of these beautiful creatures!
Tiny larva:
Growing bigger:
Almost full grown and ready to pupate:
Voila!
And then there’s the matter of us humans…
You know this whole idea of “beauty in the decay” applies to us too.
We often forget what a privilege it is to age. When the body starts to ache and crumble, when life starts to feel a bit slippery—I believe this is when we really start to notice the daily, beautiful miracles around us. And that is a wonderful thing.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
This is such an important post, full of good information. The end of your post is beautiful. My southwestern Indiana garden, while still green, is looking its age. But all the birds, butterflies, insects and hummingbirds are happy and that makes me happy.
So glad to have found you on Facebook.
We returned from a week away and our garden was filled with butterflies! It’s such a great time of year. (I’m glad you found me too!)
What a beautiful tribute to awaken to.Thanks.
Thanks!
Thank you for the reminder that it is a privilege to age and for sharing the beautiful song!
So glad you enjoyed the music!
My coneflowers are looking pretty sad, but I have reminded myself to let them be for the very reasons you shared. The older I get, the more aware I am of that cycle of life. Love your pictures!
Me too, Dorothy!
Well said! What a wonderful world. God is good.
Thanks!
I received some coneflower seeds from a friend yesterday. Perfect weather today to spread them in the ground. I love watching the birds and butterflies munching on my zinnias. My yard is far from pristine and I like it that way. My husband used to say, “The nicer your lawn, the lower your IQ.” Haha A very enjoyable read this morning!
I bet you are having wonderful weather! I agree with Tom’s assessment. I know you must miss him terribly.
Love your post! I too have been worried about when or if I should cut back my lazy Susan’s and Coneflowers. But I’ve refrained so the birds and caterpillars can enjoy. Yesterday I found joy in just watching all the butterflies flying in a cluster of play. I’m not sure what kind I need to better research and gain knowledge. The hummingbirds are amazing in my backyard right now. I think I would enjoy the wheel journaling. The music at the end of this post is refreshing. Thank you!