It’s a strange time in the garden: even though it’s summer, not many native plants are blooming. The spring ephemerals and even the stretch-season wild geraniums are done, but most of the summer flowers haven’t opened yet. Right now it’s just Golden Alexanders…

…and Philadelphia fleabane, which volunteered in the lawn.

But there’s still a lot going on in the garden. After a lot of May rain and now early June hot temperatures, the plants are looking good, getting bigger by the day. Lots of shades of green, and lots of different textures.

And the wildlife is buzzing along. Last Sunday, I spotted…

American Lady butterflies and monarch butterflies have laid eggs, which are now American Lady caterpillars

and monarch caterpillars.

And more monarchs showed up to lay more eggs.

Every time I walked through the garden, I kicked up clouds of damselflies. Dragonflies were busy, too, but I haven’t gotten close enough to get a picture yet.

Aphids and other similar insects were everywhere, so it’s about time for ladybugs to show up to keep them under control.

I keep checking for swallowtail caterpillars on the Golden Alexanders, especially since I saw a butterfly last month, but so far I haven’t found any.

Ants were busy managing their colony under stepping stones.

And a skipper butterfly stopped by.

So while the first glance is a lull in the garden, the reality is anything but boring.