Celebrating the ordinary
The tall, purple spikes of Blazing Stars (Liatris) are now the brightest spot in the backyard and we’ve been enjoying them immensely.
We aren’t the only ones who like these flowers. Various bees and other small insects are frequent visitors, as well as a hummingbird.
We’ve also been watching several Tiger Swallowtail butterflies as they float gracefully from one spike to another. Continue reading “Blazing Stars and Tiger Swallowtail”
I planted a few Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma) plants in front of our house a couple of years ago. They have now spread, and we’ve been enjoying the abundant bright-red blooms since early June.
After a much appreciated one-inch rain, I decided to check out the back yard and blow a few bubbles. I always enjoy bubbles and they are especially amazing after a rain when everything is still wet and the humidity is high.
I was intrigued by the way these two Sundrop blossoms (Oenothera fruticosa) held this bubble.
Three years ago, I planted a native Pussy Willow (Salix discolor). I’ve always been intrigued by their early fuzzy buds, and I knew they were good source of early nectar for pollinators.
Spring is finally arriving in Kentucky! My crocuses and daffodils are creating scattered colorful bouquets, and the pussy willow blooms are soft and fuzzy. I’ve been watching for early pollinators, but so far without success.
I have discovered ants in some of the crocus blooms. From what I read, they are really after nectar and do little if any pollinating.
I wonder where this ant spent the cold winter months. How did it find its way into this relatively ‘big’ crocus bloom? Does it take some of the nectar ‘home’ to share?
I’m glad to see signs of spring, and my search for pollinators will continue.