I strategically planted this shrub right next to our deck so the scent could be enjoyed by the family. That plan worked out well as my daughter picked up on the smell this week and loved it. However, the plan back fired as the kids don’t like all of the bees and run for cover. One of these days those naive bastards youngsters will understand the beauty of bees.
We had an unexpected outbreak of syphilis in my neighborhood this week (long and scandalous story) but being the resourceful gardener and holistic professional that I am, I came to the rescue and harvested a bunch of Lobelia siphilitica for those affected:
So it was nice to help out my diseased neighbors and all, but honestly, I am more impressed by the color on the blooms of this perennial:
Yes, I know many think of the Althea (Rose of Sharon) as a weed or “old school”, but you cannot deny how great these blooms look when back lit:
Speaking of back lit, how can you not love the blooms on Pennisetum ‘Rubrum’ (Purple fountain grass) this time of year:
Yes, this may not be my best black swallowtail pic, but I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I chased this SOB for almost an hour trying to get the best possible photo. I eventually had to settle on this shot as she sat in the tree and laughed at my futility:
We will meet again and I will capture her in all her glory like never before.
Game friggin on.
John
Oh I can believe you about the butterfly.
If you win that game, you need to apply to be in the olympics. They NEVER sit still…….
my namesake..is very pretty backlit
Really, John ? An honest-to-goodness syphilis outbreak ? Do tell ! I mean…usually something like that would be kept hush-hush. Very interesting ! Makes me wanna know more. I’m SO curious (aka snoopy). And the plant would help with that ? I never knew ! Those butterflies …. that black swallowtail is really a difficult one to catch sitting still. They flit so fast ! the only one I’ve ever been able to get a photo of was just out of his cocoon. Love the blog, John ! Keep it up !