Someone mentioned in a comment here that the stems still carry the scent. So I went out in the light snow, picked a dried-up stem and seedhead, and rubbed them in my hands. Sure enough, there was that Monarda scent. Not strong, but definitely recognizable.
I also love to rub or pet my bergamot. However I confess that I have not done so in winter, which will be my objective tomorrow. I hope my winter goldfinches don’t mind having me ‘invade’ their haven for a short moment. Thank you for this beautiful and hopeful post. 🙏☮️
I was tickled last year to find a type of white-flowered bee balm which blooms more freely in shadier places. First I found it in the wild along a local creek and later I was able to buy a piece from my favorite native nursery! I am anxious to see how it grows next year.
As you were describing brushing up against the leaves, I could actually smell that spicy scent in my imagination, Diane! Thanks so much for letting us escape into the wonders of nature, a much-needed respite from current events.
Wild Bergamot is indeed perennial. Like most perennials, it does not usually bloom in its first year. But we get the nice scent from the leaves to tide us over. Second year and then every year thereafter it blooms.
Loved learning about wild bergamot through the seasons in your writing. Also, a soothing reminder on what we can do every day to take care of ourselves and each other (including creatures and life all around us).
When I went out to feed the birds this morning I crushed a few bergamot stems in my hands, and there was that scent! Thanks for making me realize that could happen.
I love Monarda fistulosa! I harvest a small amount of the flowers and leaves and steep them in honey for use in soothing sore throats. I dry a few more for tea and strong infusions for use as an expectorant and decongestant when the cold or flu virus have found me. I am adding more plants this year to my native plant and animal garden. Thanks for the lovely writeup and photos, Diane.
Beautiful!
Thank you Native Plant Lady!
My bergamot is also still up and feeding creatures.
I've never noticed the aroma you mentioned, so am looking forward to it this summer.
It's easy to grow and is one of my favorite plants.
Thanks again, Diane
Someone mentioned in a comment here that the stems still carry the scent. So I went out in the light snow, picked a dried-up stem and seedhead, and rubbed them in my hands. Sure enough, there was that Monarda scent. Not strong, but definitely recognizable.
Beautiful photos of beautiful subjects!
Thank you Patty.
I also love to rub or pet my bergamot. However I confess that I have not done so in winter, which will be my objective tomorrow. I hope my winter goldfinches don’t mind having me ‘invade’ their haven for a short moment. Thank you for this beautiful and hopeful post. 🙏☮️
Yes, it's almost light here at my house. I'm going to try petting my dried-up bergamot when I go out to feed the birds.
I was tickled last year to find a type of white-flowered bee balm which blooms more freely in shadier places. First I found it in the wild along a local creek and later I was able to buy a piece from my favorite native nursery! I am anxious to see how it grows next year.
As you were describing brushing up against the leaves, I could actually smell that spicy scent in my imagination, Diane! Thanks so much for letting us escape into the wonders of nature, a much-needed respite from current events.
Wow, a white bergamot! That must be gorgeous. Do you happen to know if it's a variant but the same species as Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)?
“Maybe the delicate texture of the seed head felt just right to her toes” - what a delight to read this sentence! Thank you.
Thank you Debi.
Thanks for the information. I plan to add some to my yard.
Yay. Go Jo!
So much information with beautiful photos to help me recognize the plants and wildlife is a breath of fresh air to read.
Are the bergamot plants perennial?
Wild Bergamot is indeed perennial. Like most perennials, it does not usually bloom in its first year. But we get the nice scent from the leaves to tide us over. Second year and then every year thereafter it blooms.
Loved learning about wild bergamot through the seasons in your writing. Also, a soothing reminder on what we can do every day to take care of ourselves and each other (including creatures and life all around us).
We sure need to do some taking care of. If we can't put everything right, then at least let's put one thing a little better, eh?
❤️❤️❤️
It’s hard not to love butterflies that love the same plants we do (like bergamot).
Your writing today soothes my soul. I am going to walk to one of our patches and rub the stem to elicit a reminder of summer. Thank you.
You must live where there are still some green leaves. Here in Iowa we only dream. Thanks for commenting, by the way!
No green leaves. I live just across the state to the west of you. I just rubbed the spent flowers and the stem and got that wonderful aroma!
When I went out to feed the birds this morning I crushed a few bergamot stems in my hands, and there was that scent! Thanks for making me realize that could happen.
OK, I gotta try that tomorrow.
I love it added to earl grey tea.
I saw my first bee hawk moth on my bee balm at 35 years old. I relish it to this day at 58. ❤️Thanks for this reminder.
What a lovely refreshing way with which to start my day! Thank you!
I appreciate your appreciation, Michelle. Thank you.
Diane, your posts give me hope, and your remarkable photos illustrate the natural world at its very best. Thank you.
Thank you Susan.
I love Monarda fistulosa! I harvest a small amount of the flowers and leaves and steep them in honey for use in soothing sore throats. I dry a few more for tea and strong infusions for use as an expectorant and decongestant when the cold or flu virus have found me. I am adding more plants this year to my native plant and animal garden. Thanks for the lovely writeup and photos, Diane.
I've never tried making herbal remedies, but it seems like a good way to bond with the power of nature. Thanks for your comment.