Wild Azaleas are blooming on the Mendonoma Coast, joining the pink wild Rhododendrons. I took this photo on our neighbor's property. Thanks, Frank and Nan! They even have a delicate fragrance. Mother Nature is putting on quite a show right now.
The bluffs are awash in color today as wildflowers are blooming in the warm sun. Wild rhododendrons began blooming this week and the first wild azaleas are opening to the sun. Orange bush monkey-flowers are blooming in earnest in sunny spots. This native plant doesn't want summer water. It's a host plant for a butterfly that is struggling - the Checkerspot Butterfly. And darned if it doesn't have medicinal qualities too. The flowers and root have antiseptic qualities that aid in the healing of scrapes and burns.
