Springtime Dandelions and Tulips in Amana, Iowa

Two iconic flowers emerge in April and early May around these here latitudes - dandelions and tulips. Examples of the springtime color are from yesterday's stroll through Amana as the town celebrated Maifest.

In the front yard garden of an older Amana home is a flower bed that has been in production for many years. This Spring the grasses and dandelions have started to overtake the colorful flower garden.

The mixture of high contrast colors from the tulips and dandelions not only make for a great photo but also signal warm weather has arrived and snow will be put off until November or December.

Prairie Flowers in Late July

Black-eyed Susans dot the prairie landscape in northern Iowa. Re-seeded native plantings began as test projects for state parks and roadways in the 1970s. Several years later the combination of tall grasses and wildflowers brought back scenes that pioneers have historically described. Incorporation of these native plantings reduced the need for frequent park and roadway mowing, attracted additional wildlife, and have enriched the soil. Plus they are nice to see.