Petals & Pollinators Aug 7
Today's collection of photos should be titled lilies, mallows and bugs. The theme is still the color and elegance of the debutantes attending the exciting summer garden ball. There are additional newcomers to describe.
The buzz and rapid movements of the pollinators continues to be the thrillers. The colorful mallows and lilies are a main attraction.
If you follow this column, you know that each Saturday, I post my blog with the Six On Saturday group. Follow me there and see gardens from many locations around the globe. If you are interested in showing your 6 photos of the week, the instuctions are on the website. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk/.
Don't forget the Great Southeast Pollinator Census coming Aug. 21 and 22. This is your chance to participate in a wonderful Citizen Science Project. Details are here https://gsepc.org/
Gloriosa Lily
Oh, what a beauty. Gloriosa lily 'Flame'. I planted it in a container and was disappointed that it didn't appear until late in the spring. I am no longer disappointed. This was purchased from https://jenksfarmer.com/.
Daylily
This daylily is considered common and even goes by the uninspiring name 'Ditch Lily' but I think these are beauties.
Sea Mallow
This delicate beauty is Kosteletzkya pentacarpos. The plant and flowers are hibiscus like with that bright, colorful yellow center. It is a wetland plant but is doing very well at the back of my perennial bed.
Texas Star
Hibiscus coccineus 'Texas Star' doesn't fail to disappoint. I moved it this spring to a sunnier location and it has rewarded my effort with magnificent displays.
Silver Spotted Skipper
I have been working on my insect photography. I hope to be able to do some macro photography but of course it is impossible to take such a closeup of a butterfly or skipper. I usually see this skipper with wings up.
Milkweed Bug
These beetles seem to swarm the seed pod of Asclepias tuberosa ( butterfly milkweed). The blooms of the flower are bright orange as is the beetle. You can see the seed with its attached "parachute". Of course, this is the host of our revered Monarch butterfly.
I hope you all have fair weather and sufficient rain soon.
Happy gardening!