monarda fistulosa

Wild Bergamot

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Last week I saw a field of wild bergamot or Monarda fistulosa in full bloom. This miracle of nature, which may or may not have been helped along by human beings, was a sea of pale purple. Butterflies—monarchs, sulphurs, swallowtails and red admirals—danced just above the blooms, landing long enough to sip nectar. The buzzing … Read more

Wild Bee Balm

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Bumblebees, those ace pollinators in the fuzzy yellow and black suits, are very fashionable at the moment.  And since they are fashionable, the plants that attract them are also extremely popular.  I thought of that as I returned from vacation last week and drove by the many swathes of purple-flowered wild bee balm or Monarda … Read more