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
Summer beauties
flower
A field of wildflowers
Shots of a field of wildflowers growing at a wildlife refuge near Kentucky Lake.
“How lovely is the silence of growing things.” ~Unknown
Resilience
“Spring reminds us that resilience is only a season away.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
Insects on Bur Marigold
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
Monarchs
Monarch butterflies enjoying the flowers on a warm October afternoon.
“Gardening is cheaper than therapy … and you get flowers and butterflies!” ~Unknown
Hovering around the flowers
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
Viceroy
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
Iris time
Around the first week of May, many gardens in Tennessee come alive with showy flowers having a variety of colors and intricate details. The greatly anticipated iris season only lasts a few weeks. Though the life of the blooms are short-lived, the beauty and smell of the flowers linger in the mind until the next iris season rolls around.
On the first weekend in May, a town near us hosts an Iris Festival flower show. This year, as always, we saw a number of beautiful varieties.
“There’s a picture there that lives in memory when it’s Iris time in Tennessee” ~Willa Waid Newman
Trumpet Daffodils
One day earlier this week the sun was shining, the temperature was mild, and it was a perfect occasion for an afternoon stroll. I spotted a number of wild daffodils in bloom along our country road. Nothing brightens the disposition like seeing their little yellow heads bobbing in the wind.
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ~Hal Borland
Seeing yellow
Leaves aren’t the only yellow to be seen in autumn. Here are a few others that I came across during September and October.
“It is the color closest to light. In its utmost purity it always implies the nature of brightness and has a cheerful, serene, gently stimulating character. Hence, experience teaches us that yellow makes a thoroughly warm and comforting impression. With yellow the eye rejoices, the heart expands, the spirit is cheered and we immediately feel warmed. Many people feel an inclination to laugh when looking through a yellow glass.” ~Johann von Goethe
walking on a country road 