Marsh Marigolds

Spring is the time for outdoor activities. My favorites are hiking/birding, flyfishing for trout, gardening & biking. The hiking/birding activity does double duty as a means to exercise my dog Baron & myself . Baron does a great job in flushing up the birds as well as the occasional coyote, racoon, deer and many small four legged creatures. I never know what to expect... Recently the Big Guy and I were following a white carpeted trail along the Little Iowa River in Lake Louise State Park.

Along the way were patches of wood phlox.
Except for a bike trail, the park is not heavily used except on weekends in the summer. Baron had romped down off the trail to the river (creek really) to get a drink of water. I followed. Come on along....
As we approached the river, we noticed patches of bright yellow. The boggy ground next to the river had produced a crop of Marsh Marigolds, known locally as cowslips.

This wildflower is common in swampy areas and along stream banks. Marsh marigolds emerge from shallow water or grow on small mounds holding the plant just above the water. Along with Skunk Cabbage, Marsh Marigolds are a welcome sight in early spring but seem to disappear as fast as they emerged. I have a few in my woodland garden. They transplant well but going into the spring muck to dig them up can not be described as easy