While many folks are waiting for changing leaves to grace our landscapes with color, I have always liked the late summer and very beginning of fall for the ornamental colors they provide.  As August advances and becomes September, wildflowers continue to bloom along trails, roads, and hillsides.  Their colors mingle with the initially subtle changes in the leaves on the trees, creating a kaleidoscopic backdrop that pleases almost any color lover’s pallet. 

flat-topped asters

new england aster

New York asters

blue-stemmed goldenrod

Queen Anne's Lace

goldenrod

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            Everyone loves the color of mums and asters this time of year and local farm markets and garden centers are selling many right now.  My yellow mum is just about to come into all of its glory on the deck.  But wildflowers require just a little more effort in discovery and as I’ve been out in the field for work or pleasure, I’ve been toting along my camera and field guide to identify and photograph them. 

            Truth is I don’t have to go far.  My yard is aglow with rough-stemmed goldenrod right now, and almost any trail in the area is a good choice for those looking to explore for wildflowers.  Try the Bloomingdale Bog Trail north of Saranac Lake, Intervale Lowlands in Lake Placid, the fields which line the Champlain Valley, and countless other spots.  There is almost no end to the options of places to explore.  Here are a few additional photos for those interested in enjoying some late summer and fall wildflowers.   But you should get out there and enjoy the shapes and colors soon because they will not last forever!