Among the bees and many other insects enjoying Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower) today were many beautiful Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). I think these are female but am not sure.

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

Swamp Sunflower is a native plant but spreads too easily and is difficult to control. I did manage to dig up one new section of this plant that had begun to grow. It is hard to deal ruthlessly with this or any plant that is blooming with such sunshine and cheer.

Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

Bees on Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

It was nice to have such interesting company in the garden today as I continued digging out errant mounds of common daylilies. I keep hoping I am not also mistakenly taking out irises that I thought were growing in this area as well.

Hemerocallis fulva) (Tawny Daylily)

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’ (Juniper) waiting to be planted

I am trying to clear out enough room to plant some new evergreen trees, additions that should provide much needed verticality and year-round structure to the northern border.

The trees, Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’ (Juniper), were purchased on a whim more than a few weeks ago.

I know well that I should never buy anything without having a place already prepared where I can plant them right away. Being such an undisciplined gardener it is a lesson I learn and apparently ignore over and over.