In spite of the lack of rain in recent weeks, the beds at the Arboretum are still flourishing, offering a variety of flower colors, textures, shapes and sizes to be admired and enjoyed. A beautiful, deep blue Monkshood (Aconitum) is still in bloom in the Fern Garden close to the Mansion; the English name Monkshood refers to the cylindrical helmet, called the galea, distinguishing the flower. In the beds in the Rose garden behind the Mansion some lovely, delicate pink Foxgloves (Digitalis, derived from the Latin word for “finger”) are still in bloom; although Foxgloves generally bloom in May, they will bloom in late summer if the seeds are planted in the spring, the flowers are a favorite of butterflies and moths. And, last but not least, the beds next to Matilda’s Cottage have several Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) plants blooming. Also known as Golden Everlasting, the flowers come in many colors from white to bronze to purple, and serve as food for various butterflies and moths, bees, beetles and grasshoppers.
