The garden volunteers have returned to scurrying about the Brandywine Conservancy’s grounds, trying to catch up with their normal duties. 

The installation of the new gardens is complete. Now the watering, and watchful waiting, begins.

The Brandywine Wildflower Journal was on the clock (OK, off the clock; we’re volunteers) and roving about on Tuesday, Aug. 6, taking notes and photographs with one hand, and watering and weeding with the other. Hey, we can dream.

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If you haven’t visited lately, this is a fantastic time for flowering plants on the Museum and Conservancy grounds. So much is in bloom. Flock to see the Phlox, for one. What a visual feast.

A visitor stopped to chat about the cardinal flowers, Lobelia cardinalis. Its brilliant red spikes are a spectacular sight. They can take your breath away, and make you want to talk, at the same time.

The short-lived blossoms of Hibiscus moscheutos are coming and going. The fleeting nature of this summer flower adds to its allure. Miss this beauty’s train and you’ll have to be faster on your feet. Next year.

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Hollow Joe-Pye weed abounds. If you have trouble spotting this tall plant topped with big, purple lacy domes, just look for the swallowtail butterflies. Or ask: “Has anyone seen theEupatorium fistulosum?”

And get ready to smile.

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