Interesting insects from 2011

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Betty

I often review my photos at the end of the year and I found a few from last summer that I’d like to share.

How about this Grapevine Beetle (Pelidnota punctata)? I was surprised and delighted to know we had such a striking creature in our backyard.

Pelidnota puctata

Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard, Insects | 2 Comments

Hummingbird and zinnia

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Betty

We’re almost to the end of 2011 and I’m feeling reflective. The backyard continues to be a great source of enjoyment. This Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) and zinnia image captures one of many magical moments I’ve experienced.

Archilochus colubris and red zinnia

Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard, Birds, Summer | 4 Comments

Happy Holidays

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Betty

These December blooms on the native Trumpet Honeysuckle vine (Lonicera sempervirens) covered with heavy frost crystals remind me of a miniature Poinsettia.

lonicera sempervirens blossom and frost

Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard, Native Plants, Winter | 4 Comments

A frosty morning

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Betty

Winter is not my favorite season. I do not like the cold and I’m tempted to enjoy the garden by looking out the window. However, on a recent frosty morning, with camera in hand, I was reminded again of winter beauty that deserves to be seen up close.

For example, this Virginia Sweetspire leaf (Itea virginica) reminds me of a miniature work of art.

itea virginica leaf and frost

Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard, Native Plants, Winter | 4 Comments

Frost Flowers #2

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Betty

Please note I’ve changed the format of the blog emails. They now include just the introduction to each post. Click the link at the bottom of the email to see the full post.

This is a follow-up to last week’s post about these amazing ice crystals. We’ve now had six days with low temperatures below freezing, and each morning there have been more frost flowers on the two Dittany plants (Cunila origanoides).

Frost flower 4 on Cunila origanoides

Continue reading →

Posted in Backyard, Native Plants, Winter | 3 Comments