THE SUMMER'S ENDED
but a few late, colorful flowers
still linger on

With the approach of fall most of our flowers become a thing of the past for another year -- only those hardy, persistent species remain to give us some idea of what the meadows are like when at their best. But there are a few that prefer this late season and, in consequence, their beauty is enhanced because they come in at a time when we naturally expect the flowers to be in their last stages.

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritaceae) is one of our summer species that lingers late into the fall. Its miniature, white, straw-like blossoms need this season to be more fully appreciated and, as the name indicates, it may be picked, dried and kept for long periods during the winter as winter bouquets. But most beautiful of the late flowers -- and to the writer's mind most beautiful of all the flowers on "The Mountain" -- is the Blue Gentian (Gentiana calycosa). This occurs in compact clumps and the erect, light green stalks are topped by the large, beautiful, deep blue bells that stand upright and singly on the stems. Along the steams that cascade down the hillsides the Mimulus, or Monkey Flower, is the most characteristic flower. These -- both red and yellow - prefer that moist habitat and add much to the charm of these mountain rills. In contract to the moist habitat of the Mimulus is the dry, rocky location preferred by the Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia). This is a dainty, light blue bell that swings gracefully from its slender, hair-like stem and is characteristic of the rocky slopes or cliffs. It is the "Bluebell of Scotland" -- made famous by song and story. These are a few that keep alive our flower fields until autumns cold breath brings the rich colors of fall to "The Mountain".

C. Frank Brockman

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