So happy to find a new vendor at the Greene County Farmers Market. Lauren Taylor (www.belovedbrook.com) is selling native plants. Ah! Lauren is speaking my language.

Several weeks ago I got Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) plants from Lauren. My first time to have the Maryland state flower. I’ve had other Black-eyed Susans but these are the real thing. I grew up in Maryland and these flowers say “home” to me.

The first blooms have faded, and have been cut back to encourage continuing blooms. And PRESTO, there they are! A bit smaller than the first flowers, but beautiful for sure. I’m taking great care to keep them watered. This drought is keeping me busy, lugging water. I’m already looking forward to next year’s blooms and for many years after. Generally these plants are short-lived perennials, but they usually reseed prolifically.

I’m not the only one happy to see these Maryland flowers. Here a Variegated Fritillary enjoys the nectar of a Black-eyed Susan bloom. They attract many other butterflies, and is the host plant for Silvery Checkerspots (Chlosyne nycteis).

I’m hoping that these plants will indeed, reseed prolifically!

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