By AMY IVY, Cornell Cooperative Extension ---- — The wildflowers
along the roadways are gorgeous this year. Some states and
communities have made concerted efforts to plant wildflowers
along their highways. The plantings last for a couple of years
before they are overtaken by grass and other aggressive plants.
The oxeye daisies and buttercups were among the earlier
wildflowers, and they’re finished blooming for the year. Right
now along the road I see lots of Queen Anne’s lace (white, lacy
flowers), chickory (medium-blue flowers on wiry stems), red
clover and black-eyed Susans (with their orange blossoms with
dark brown centers). If you want to encourage these plants in
your meadow, don’t mow them down until they have had a chance to
go to seed. With any luck, those seeds will help the population
multiply next year. Queen Anne’s lace provides an extra benefit
if you let it grow near your flower or vegetable garden because
it attracts all kinds of beneficial insects that feast on
destructive insects such as ap