The volunteer Joe Pye weeds (Eutochium purpureum) that are popping up in the herbaceous borders at Ann’s Place are one of my favorite squatters in these gardens. I’m not sure where they came from but a single volunteer a few years ago located next to a bench has now a large family surrounding it.
It towers over all the other plants nearby giving butterflies and other pollinators a high landing pad and place to take in the other potential food sources surrounding it. The tallest of these is nearly 8 foot high and is best appreciated and viewed from the adjacent parking area that sits above it.
Here the high blooms can be seen in their full glory and how they lord over their lowly neighbors. To get a sense of its scent, I pull downward one of the shorter children and inhale deeply. The sweet aroma of vanilla fills my nostrils making me understand why bees and butterflies hover around, waiting for their turns.
