This week we camped in one of our favorite archery hunting spots on top of a mountain. We figured it would be the perfect spot to camp and watch the full moon rise. Since we were at such a high elevation, the early season wildflowers were in full bloom in the alpine meadow next to camp.

I have many fond memories of going on wildflower walks with my mom as a kid, something that has stayed with me on my own wildflower walks since I left home at 18.

Arnica

Common Paintbrush

So it’s no surprise then that I am starting to teach our little nugget this same love of wildflowers.

Beargrass

When out in the woods, I put our little nugget in her backpack on my back and away we go. I point out different flowers and tell her their names.

Valerian

For new flowers we discover, on this trip the Orange Agoseris, I take several pictures and look it up in one of my many wildflower identification books.

Orange Agoseris (orange mountain dandelion)

Some of the wildflowers we see in the woods we also have in our flower gardens at home. Buying a native perennial from the local greenhouse is an extra special treat to myself over the summer.