The Valerian (Valeriana uliginosa), aka Marsh Valerian, is now in bloom. Valerian is native to New England though apparently rare. Although the white flowers vaguely resemble Yarrow, the foliage is quite different. I dug up a clump by the side of the road in Lincolnville (about 25 miles from here) 45 years ago. It liked the farm and though it spread slowly, it is now well-established. Occasionally I dig up part of a clump and move it to another part of the orchard where it generally seems happy to relocate. It then spreads by seed. The root is medicinal. Today’s photo show one blackened stem where ants have collected and are feeding on aphids.

Today was another early spraying of the same mix of herbs, sea products and Dipel on more of the orchard. Though still hot, the temperatures weren’t quite so brutal as in the past few days. We also collected brush for our upcoming chipping party.