Autumn Wildflowers of Connecticut

Many colorful summer and fall wildflowers can be found growing in Connecticut’s fields, forests, and wetlands. Compared to the light pastel colors of our spring flowers, autumn flowers are bold and vibrant. Asters, goldenrods, and witch hazel are easily observed, but many others are elusive and require a bit of searching.

Area Naturalists Peter and Barbara Rzasa will highlight not only our common native wildflowers but also the not-so-common ones such as turtlehead, bottle gentian, boneset, nodding lady tresses, and parasitic beechdrops.

The event, presented by the Arbor Garden Club of Clinton, will also cover our colorful berries and seedpods that become evident in the autumn. Stories and flower folklore of our native summer and fall wildflowers will be shared.

About the presenters:

Barbara and Peter Rzasa are nature photographers who provide presentations on such subjects as trees, lichens, wildflowers, bog flowers, and plant intelligence with the goal of encouraging people, especially children, to look more closely at the wonders of our natural world. Barbara obtained a B.S. degree in art from Southern Connecticut State University and is a retired graphic designer who uses her artistic skills to create nature-based watercolor paintings. Peter earned his B.S. degree in Forest Chemistry from S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science and Forestry. In 2015, they were presented the Ellen Carder Memorial Award for their horticultural education by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. They maintain a native plant garden and a do-it-yourself bog at their residence.

Refreshments served.