This is the time of year that the red berry “hips” have replaced the fragrant petals of the wild roses. Dandelions are now puffballs for making wishes. Wild clematis and numerous others have shed their summer clothing and have gone to seed.

In their place, alongside the walking trails, the goldenrods stand tall and brilliant in the morning sun.

With their hearty stems bearing clusters of bright yellow flowers, the goldenrods gently remind me that autumn isn’t far off.

“Along the river’s summer walk, The withered tufts of asters nod; And trembles on its arid stalk the hoar plume of the golden-rod. And on a ground of sombre fir, And azure-studded juniper, The silver birch its buds of purple shows, And scarlet berries tell where bloomed the sweet wild-rose!”

John Greenleaf Whittier