If aliens observed all the life forms on Earth, they may determine that ants are the primary beings due to their overwhelming presence in every nook and cranny of the planet.
If aliens observed my yard, they may determine that New England aster is the primary life form due to their overwhelming presence in every nook and cranny of my garden.
New England asters are a beautiful purple, long-blooming flower with a need to seed that rivals any forb I’ve found. The following photo series tells the story of increasing pops of purple across my property.
This is the New England aster that I planted in my first garden because it was available at the big box store.
This is the New England aster that I planted in my rain garden because I loved the purple flowers.
This is the New England aster that I transplanted into disturbed clay after DTE dug up my yard to access the gas line.
This is the New England aster that just showed up on the berm of the rain garden.
This is the New England aster that just showed up in the curb garden.
This is the New England aster that just showed up in the backyard.
This is the New England aster that just showed up by the front door.
This is the New England aster that just showed up through a barrier of landscaping material and rocks, built a trunk like a tree, and bloomed in mid-summer.
This is the New England aster that I married.
Native and assertive, the only downside to New England aster is that I can’t let them grow everywhere they decide to root. Unrelated: if anyone needs New England aster seeds or seedlings, I know a source.
Put It In Your Hat 