Each year I look forward to the season of the stately and charming Queen Anne’s Lace. The delicate lace-like flowers, which grow wild along our country road, beautify the landscape, attract pollinators and provide habitat for a variety of insects. Ants, attracted by the flower’s nectar, are beneficial since they help protect them from aphids.
“Not a weed but a seed that has blossomed into a flower indeed.” ~Deborah Parise
Warmer weather has finally arrived. The landscape is becoming greener and new colorful blooms are appearing each day. It’s a smorgasbord of spring beauty and blessings.
The Spring came suddenly,
bursting upon the world as a
child bursts into a room with a
laugh and a shout and
hands full of flowers.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Enjoying some of the beautiful shades of orange that come along with the spring and summer seasons.
“Mere color … can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” ~Oscar Wilde
Two of my favorite things about summer are the delicate butterflies and the colorful flowers that they are drawn to. Both make the heart glad.
“I could never in a hundred summers get tired of this.” ~Susan Branch
Shots of a field of wildflowers growing at a wildlife refuge near Kentucky Lake.
“How lovely is the silence of growing things.” ~Unknown
“Spring reminds us that resilience is only a season away.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
Bur marigold attracts many insects which enjoy the nectar and pollen from their flowers. The beautiful yellow flower heads can be seen in September and October growing in sunny or partially shady wet areas.
“For observing nature, the best pace is a snail’s pace.” ~Edwin Way Teale
Monarch butterflies enjoying the flowers on a warm October afternoon.
“Gardening is cheaper than therapy … and you get flowers and butterflies!” ~Unknown
Hummingbirds are attracted to the bright red color of the cardinal flower. From these delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers, the hummingbird receives sweet nectar. In return, the cardinal flower depends on the hummingbird for pollination.
Across the downs a hummingbird
Came dipping through the bowers,
He pivoted on emptiness
To scrutinize the flowers.
~Nathalia Crane
We saw these viceroy butterflies flitting about in a garden close to the lake. Similar to the monarch in appearance, one way to distinguish the viceroy from the monarch is by the visible black line that runs across its hind wings.
“Butterflies … flowers that fly and all but sing.” ~Robert Frost
walking on a country road 