by Corinne Frey
In this photo journey, ponder the intricate beauty of each blossom, stem, leaf, and pollinator as we say goodbye to the summer of 2021.
The challenges of severe drought in many areas of North Dakota, and the surrounding states, have made the past few months very difficult. For centuries, the farmers, ranchers, and gardeners in the Midwest have proven they are a resilient group, this summer reiterated that fact.
Hopefully, what we learned and how we grew as individuals during this time has made us better equipped to handle future challenges on all levels, revealing the strength and beauty within. Fall and winter are a time for planning, and the hope of better things in the next season of our lives. May these photos instill in each viewer a sense of excitement and hope for glimpses of beauty in 2022.
A deep wine-colored hollyhock is central to a collage of summer blossoms…dahlias, gloriosa daisies, delphiniums, dianthus, impatiens, marigolds, glads, roses, asters, and snapdragons are nestled into several other flowers.
The white blossoms of a snow crab tree herald spring in the northland.
Pollen completely covers the leg of one of nature’s most ambitious pollinators, a bee.
A busy bee is full of pollen as it dives headfirst into one of the first plants to bloom each spring, a white crocus.
Three fully opened orange tiger lilies and a couple of others that haven’t opened, glisten with water droplets after some much-needed rain.
Gloriosa daisies provide summer-long color and a ray of sunshine.
A purple and pink morning glory peeks out from the shadows as it wraps itself around an old metal watering can.
Soft, lavender-colored allium hosts three busy pollinators.
Purple coneflowers stand tall in the summer sun with their rusty centers and pink petals.
It’s easy to stop and smell the fragrant petals of this red rose in full bloom.
A bee flying toward the center of a blooming sunflower casts a shadow on one of the yellow petals.
Pink wave petunias cascade over multiple stacked containers to put on a five-foot by seven-foot display of color.
A milkweed plant in bloom is a necessity for monarch butterflies, and its pale pink star-shaped blossoms are also a welcome place for other pollinators.
A pink and purple poppy appears to float in the summer sky.
The deep purple central leaves of this succulent hold glimmering water droplets.
A tall sedum with its pink blossoms provides late summer nectar for three bees.
Looking at a closeup of orange and yellow blossoms makes it easy to see why succulents have become so popular.
Early morning moisture sparkles on a watermelon nestled among the vines.
New England asters are a favorite for late-season pollinators.
A cluster of ten apples ripen on a branch.
