Looking back to the more colorful days of late summer, early autumn.
Hardy, perennial prairie plants gradually go dormant, resting until next springs longer, warmer days. Copyright 2017, Pamela Breitberg
Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) amongst prairie diversity. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Purple Aster, a dependable sign of the end of Summer. Copyright 2017, Pamela Breitberg
As most plants begin dormancy this vine resiliently bloomed, wrapping itself around a front yard iron fence for support. I believe this a Mandavilla vine, not hearty to our Midwest winter , so even more impressive it was still in bloom. Perhaps the concrete micro-environment helped warm it’s roots. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Buds show possible future blooms this end-of-autumn season. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
The colors of autumn warm the cooler days quickly becoming cold days and nights of the arriving winter season. The stained glass at The Original Pancake House in Lincoln Park compliment the autumn hues of nature. Bundle up and stay warm everyone.
Colored glass pieces mimic nature’s autumn colors. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Peppers and tomatoes in a window box outside The Original House of Pancakes. They were used for summer harvests, but are hearty enough to remain harvest-able while they compliment the fall colors of the surrounding scenes. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Planter boxes are abundant decor for many condominiums of Lincoln Park. This seasonal design rich in autumn color and design interest. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Late autumn bloom of a usually spring blooming tree. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
The rest of Chicago is reacting “properly” to the arriving chills of freezing temperatures while parts of this tree is confused. Most of the SPRING flowering tree is dormant, as is proper for November. But confused by our unusually long, warm days of autumn this year some of it’s branches believe springtime is on the horizon. It is not unusual for perennial plants to have a second, cool season bloom period; but this is the first time I’ve witnessed a second season bloom of a tree.
Here are a few different views of downtown Chicago, this time from South Pond in Lincoln Park. The naturalized prairie grasses are prominent in the scene. After a leisurely walk through the park we lunched at the delicious Café Brauer; this time dining was a bit of a challenge. This time of year, worker bees are instinctively anxious to gather as much energy (sugar/nectar) and protein (pollen) as possible to store for the coming winter months. So, as my eyes admired the sweet view from our table, they were eyeing my lunch. And typical of me, I watched with love and allowed them to feast in between my bites and sips.
Warning: If you aren’t fond of bees then don’t look at last two images!
View of downtown Chicago and South Pond in Lincoln Park. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
View of South Pond and Chicago from Cafe Brauer. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Worker bee gathering sweetness from my jam. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Wine and cocktails were not off limits for the bees, much to the dismay of the diners. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
For more on bee behavior during the autumn:
https://phys.org/news/2012-10-bees-wasps-busy-autumn.html
Corn on maze set up for Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Kernels of corn on maze. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
My southern sisters are proud of their Naked Ladies (Amaryllis Belladonna), while here in Chicago the Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is our “Naked Lady”. Both gained their nickname because when the flowers are in bloom their leaves already have become dormant, so are no longer present. These bulb beauties were at Lincoln Park Zoo several weeks ago and drew attention from the Lion Den.
Close up of sunlit petals. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Vibrant autumn color. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Prolific blooms. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Garden bouquet of flowering fall bulbs. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
South Pond, Lincoln Park Chicago view toward downtown in a drizzle. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Our weather forecasters say we’re three inches behind in rain levels for this fall season. So the constant drizzle the other morning was welcome in spite of our planned six mile walk beginning at South Pond in Lincoln Park, Chicago. As the weather cleared a bit we came upon this gorgeous Hydrangea with one last new bloom. I enjoy both them all, even the fading ones.
Taking a break from the rain and what else ?….. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Silver bicycle; an art statement or just locked to a random post in Lincoln Park. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
My bicycle on a ride a day later to Montrose Harbor’s dog beach area. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
The vibrant purple Aster draws attention in this golden prairie sea of drying grasses and blooming Goldenrod. This was taken at Chicago’s Northerly Island restored prairie. This end of season scene seems to defy the feeling of the “end” of fair-weather times that the MIdwestern autumn often signals. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Prairie restoration around a migratory bird sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Seed heads feed birds and insects and make dramatic winter compositions. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Prairie grass in seed, assuring sustainability of native species. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg