The bright flowers of the orange butterfly weed attracts a variety of insects during their blooming season. Here are a few that stopped in to enjoy the pollen and nectar.
“Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.” ~Unknown
“Aye, I’m tellin’ ye, happiness is one of the few things in this world that doubles every time you share it with someone else.” ~Sir Harry Lauder
As you drive along the country roads of West Tennessee in the late summer and autumn, you are likely to see a burst of pale bluish-purple wildflowers growing along the way. The Mistflower grows in clusters, and its fluffy-looking flowers are magnets for butterflies, moths and other insects which are attracted to its nectar.
“There are many things in life that will catch you eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” ~Michael Nolan
Presently, the fragrant flowers of the White Snakeroot plant can be seen along the edges of the road, especially flourishing in the filtered sunlight of the tall oak trees. Being one of the last wildflowers to bloom in the autumn, it provides a valuable source of nectar for a variety of busy insects.
“It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted.” ~Mary Flannery O’Connor
This is the time of year when the sedum plants are in bloom. I particularly enjoy the late afternoon, when the sun brings out the colors in the star-shaped flowers and a variety of small insects stop by for a visit.
“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.” ~Pliny the Elder (Roman Scholar)
This male Blue Dasher reminds me of a mini-helicopter prepared for takeoff.
“Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.” ~Miguel de Cervantes
