I forgot I planted some Rattlesnake Master last year.  I discovered it in the garden a few days ago.

Rattlesnake Master

The Culver’s Root is in full bloom and swarming with bees and wasps.  You can’t tell it from this picture, but this is one of those blue wasps.

Culver’s Root with Wasp

The Sweet Joe Pye is in full bloom and swarming with bees.

Sweet Joe Pye Weed

The Monarda fistulosa is in full flower and the bees are all over it. You can see a couple of bees here.  My attempts to make a video of this have not been too successful.

Monarda fistulosa Early July

Much of my goldenrod is already blooming.  This may be an “early” goldenrod.  However, I think it was quite a bit later last year. (As you may be able to tell I have “stray” milkweed plants all over the place.)

Goldenrod Early July

If you’ve ever wondered “why grow goldenrod?” — here’s why.  I found this little guy in my goldenrod. I think it’s a Pearl Crescent.

Butterfly in Goldenrod

I found this little butterfly on my Mountain Mint this afternoon.  I haven’t identified it yet.  My best guess is a Northern Cloudywing — a skipper.

Small Butterfly on Mountain Mint

My Liatris is very tall but seems to be behind Deb’s in Delaware — not blooming yet.

Liatris in Early July — not Blooming Yet