[Michael Palmer]

From the smell, our goldenrod flow started on August 6. Yesterday the fragrance was a bit much. In a normal year, the flow starts about the 15th and ends before the middle of September. I expect the flow will last until late August this year. As with eall the flows this year, it's a week or two early.

Not only does goldenrod flow period vary from north to south, it varies east to west. My flow will be winding down, and over Buffalo way it will be just starting.

 

[Michael Palmer]

Lupines bloom early summer. New England Aster isn't blooming yet...only Small White Aster, and that just started.

The purple, spikey flower you saw is most likely Purple Loosestrife.