Wonderful Wildflowers of Fall

Goldenrod

Ironweed

Magnificent colonies of beautiful goldenrod and sprinklings of purple ironweed are blooming all along America's highways and byways at this time of year. I was delighted when ironweed/Veronia gigantea volunteered in the garden in contrast to the goldenrod. Thank you birdies, my most probable benefactors. 

Swamp Sunflower

You may also notice stands of Helianthus augustifolius, yellow daisy-like flowers, commonly called swamp sunflowers.

 

Wild Ageratum/Floss Flower
Floss flower is now in its prime also. 

There is some in my garden around the pool.

Sedum 'Autumn Joy'

Although it is not a wildflower but just as carefree, Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is making a show.

Hibiscus

I moved the tender hibiscus and lantana to the sunniest, warmest location to encourage continued bloom.

Lantana

Cypress Vine/Ipomea quamoclit

Hummingbirds passing through can continue to feed on the abundant cypress vine, a wild morning glory.

Turtlehead

Perched on the pink turtlehead/Chelone lyonii   is a praying mantis ready to snap up a meal.

We seldom see or hear the barred owl, but about 4:30 this morning I heard him just outside my bedroom window in the dogwood tree. Once you watch the video and hear his call, he is easily recognized by call alone. I'm glad to know he is still out there somewhere.

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Tersa Sphinx Moth Caterpillar

Marked with false eyes to emulate predator instead of prey, the Tersa sphinx moth caterpillar is well protected. His color blends with his surroundings making him almost invisible. Trying my best to remove them, I missed one and he kept munching away on the pentas and at this stage has turned gray. Retracting his head and mouth parts when disturbed, makes its false eyes appear even larger.

Without spinning a cocoon, it buries just beneath the loose soil and leaf litter to pupate. These moths are unusual in that they are day feeders of honeysuckle and four o'clocks for example.

Hummingbird Moth

Do you shop for your hummers? I do. At this time of year I'm looking for something to fill out the season. I think they apprecaite something different just as we do.

I am always adding tubular flowers

 to the garden to entice them. 

Along with the hummers came the hummingbird moth.

They favor the Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender' with its dark stems, lavender flowers, and deep green leaves with maroon undersides.

They and the bees like Torenia/Wishbone Flower as well. 

Special Day

No Deadheading

Well it is the end of summer and seeds are ripening. I was removing some plants spilled into the walkways this morning and noticed, after I had been working for some time, a  busy goldfinch nearby taking little notice of me. Usually they are so shy.

I decided to take a chance and go for the camera. Sure enough, when I returned, he was still there.  

Not only do they provide food, but the flowers have there own distinct beauty at this time of year. In this case, Mr Goldfinch is being very selective.

"No deadheading please. We'll take care of the preliminaries for you," he seemed to say.

Well, I'm choosing to feed the birds and there will be 

in this garden for a while.

Keepsakes

 Everything is new again with Noah.

Keepsakes from when Rachel was a baby are for Noah now.

Have a brandied peach coke for your trip down memory lane.

We must always have old memories and new hopes. Arsène Houssaye

Male Blue Dasher Dragonfly

Male Blue Dasher Dragonfly

With water gardens, comes a host of beautiful creatures brought ever closer to our attention with our macro shots where we can see detail better than in person actually. Roger passed this capture on to me.  


The male Blue Dasher, with his pruinose blue tail raised high either as a threat or to combat high temperature, has a black tipped tail. His large compound eyes are green and he has a white face that distinguishes him from similar looking dragonflies. His clear wings may have an amber cast close to his thorax  The blue may develop over the top of his thorax, as well, but the sides appear vertically striped with black and yellow.  The Blue Dasher may typically position his wings forward and down while resting. The one pictured looks like he's adjusting his wings upon landing. You may see one soon.


Learn about the very different female Blue Dasher here.