Since spring bulbs have ceased their riotous glory in yards and parks, another kind of beauty has spread more quietly across our Western Pennsylvania landscape. Dame’s Rocket has paraded her blooms of purple, lavender, and white along our roadsides. You may have mistaken it for Phlox but Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) has four petals and Phlox has five. While on many states’ invasive species lists, it’s beauty this time of year cannot be denied. I remember it fondly from my childhood. Picking huge bunches, I would bring them in to delight my mother who always put them in a vase on our breakfast room table, even though the petals fell quickly to dot the tablecloth!

One day last week I opened the kitchen door and was overwhelmed by the sweet scent of roses. I knew none of my cultivated roses were blooming yet and literally looked further afield for the source. Our horse pasture has become a lovely collection of wildflowers! The metal frame that held round bales was overflowing with white wild roses. The scent permeated not only the pasture but the yards around the house. I felt lucky to have such beauty within steps of my back door.

On the way back to the house, I discovered two more wildflowers blooming in the pasture. The first, at a distance, I mistook for buttercups. But up close they proven to be something else entirely. I believe from my research that it is Birds-foot Trefoil, another species considered invasive in Pennsylvania. It is, however, a source of food for bees and butterflies. The flowers themselves are quite delicate and beautiful and I can’t feel too upset with it for being invasive!

Last, I came across clusters of Common White Yarrow. Each cluster looks like a sumptuous wedding bouquet for a tiny fairy bride. Traditionally used by native Americans for its healing properties, Yarrow has a long history of medicinal use. According to some, it was Yarrow that provided Achilles with his invincibility. Now, in pastures like mine, Yarrow provides food for bees and certain butterflies.

I often find myself missing our horses, who were such a big part of our lives for so many years. I’ve mourned the loss of fence sections downed by falling trees over the winters and the overgrown pasture which was kept cropped and green all summer long. Now I see it has another purpose. Not only does it bring color and beauty to my property, but it makes my “pollinator garden” look measly in comparison. The entire pasture is a welcome site for bees, butterflies, and moths and brightens my daily walks!