Early summer blooms

6.28.12      American Brooklime, with its little blue blossoms looking like other speedwell species, was in bloom in standing water.  It was intriguing to see the smooth leaves bearing water droplets at the toothed indentations outlining the margins.
       Venus' Looking-glass's deep blue blossoms, cradled in  shell-shaped leaf axles, made their way up through grass on narrow stalks. 

       The leaves of Wild Leeks, a member of the onion family, come up in early spring with the ephemerals.   The leaves have disappeared by now, and bare stalks support a multi-flowered globe of white blossoms.  Pinching a bud releases the fragrance of onion, confirming its identity.