By the river, this morning, where we launch our canoe, the big white balls of buttonbush are turning bright red. Buttonbush is such a playful plant - it comes in a delightful shape and keeps transforming even more delightfully - whenever I see it I burst into a smile. 

I am still trying to identify the tree I saw two days ago with the deep green leaf clusters that are turning purple. I've scoured my guides for the second time to no avail, although I think it must be a type of flowering dogwood.

Yesterday I looked for my tree sapling and even though its on my property and I pass it every day I couldn't find where it's growing!

Today, I finally spotted it again, and I looked more carefully at its features. I feel like I have found a one of a kind jewel growing in my woods, spontaneously. It's very likely a common New England tree, but I want to know its name so I can learn about it.

Then, in our meadow, in June, my daughter planted sunflowers, and finally, today, as I was ending my walk, I spotted them in bloom. 

All photos and text copyright Kelly DuMar 2017