The Japanese Beetle had a tenuous grip on the dahlia but managed to right itself. They are attractive beetles but are destructive and feed on a large variety of plants. No friend to gardeners!
Tag Archives: Flowers
HONEY BEE
The early bee gets the pollen. One of the first bees I saw this year on a wild rose.
PURPLE REIGNS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Violets are delicate looking but are really quite hardy. These garden flowers form a natural bouquet. I thought I’d add the clematis to continue with the purple theme.
WATER LILY
There’s something very peaceful about watching water lilies float on the water’s surface, I was kind of hoping for a frog to come along too but not that day.
FLOWER POWER
These sunflowers were growing in a shady spot facing the river but the sun found them anyway.
THIS OLD HOUSE
This building was a neighourhood grocery a long time ago. It’s divided into apartments now. Its brick facade is a favourite stage of mine to showcase its wildflower garden. I stop by regularly, all year round.
FLOWERS OR THE BEE
I could have cropped in closer but I thought the flowers and the bee shared the stage.
BEE SEASON
It’s been a good summer for bees. This sweat bee or halictid bee was one of three different varieties I saw in the space of a few minutes. More to come…
DAHLIA AND FRIEND (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Summertime and so many flowers. Some bolder than others.
CITYSCAPE
The old house that once stood on this lot was torn down many years ago. The land hasn’t been developed and is enclosed by a mesh fence which I shot through. I was struck by the sunflowers standing tall. They continue to flower and give pleasure to anyone that passes by.
CABBAGE WHITE
Cabbage White on the fly.
THE DAISY AND THE BEE
A nice pair, they complement each other.
GRAND ENTRANCE
Coneflowers in summer, a welcoming sight.
NEIGHBOURHOOD MIX (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There are many old homes with pretty gardens in this downtown neighbourhood. Turning the corner I noticed these little green visitors that added a bit of whimsy to the mix.
CHANCE
The coneflowers caught the sun while most of the garden was still in shade. At a different time of the day the light would have been more balanced but then I don’t think the picture would have been as interesting.
ANOTHER BLACK-EYED SUSAN
These are rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed susans. I caught them as they danced on the breeze.
MELLOW YELLOW
I like to watch bees as they fly between the flowers. Unlike other insects, they’re not scared off easily or bothered by my presence.
SIDEWALK VIEW
I noticed the blue graffiti on the door frame earlier in spring. When I passed by recently and saw the day lilies I knew I had my picture.
FLOWERS TELL A TALE (THREE PHOTOGRAPHS)
The first flower peeked out of the long grass, its stem bent by a recent rain. I thought the shadow added interest to the tiny flower below.
BALANCING BEE
A local business association maintains a small garden on a busy city street. I stop by frequently to see what’s in bloom. They only plant native species and I’m always pleased to see the insects they attract.
PLEASING POPPIES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like the brilliance of these red poppies but white poppies with their purple centres are appealing too.
QUEEN ANNE AND FRIENDS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Queen Anne’s Lace is just coming into flower. These flowers were in a garden setting though I usually see them in fields and along roadsides. It’s nice to see them thriving in the city too.
RAMBLING ROSE
From this angle it looks like this cottage is being overrun by rose bushes. A friendly takeover.
ON THE VERGE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS
It’s almost summer and these new arrivals are welcoming it in.
PURPLE AND PINK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I noticed these flowers in a neighbour’s garden. I liked their colour and spiky appearance. I believe they are mountain cornflowers.
MAKE WAY!
This was one popular rose patch on a recent sunny day.
MAY BEE
I saw the daisies before I saw the bee but he seemed to have his eye on me as I took the shot. Summer is fast approaching when these two team up.
NEIGHBOURHOOD FAVOURITE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
This was taken in a garden of an old house in the neighbourhood. The garden is left to itself and it’s thriving. It begins the season with a few tulips, then on to lilacs, lilies of the valley and later in the summer, tiger lilies. There are plenty of wild flowers too including these Dame’s-Rockets. A neighbourhood favourite for bees as well.
PURPLE AND WHITE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’ve noticed a lot of violets this year. They’re pretty tenacious and can grow in shade or bright sunlight. As pretty as they are, they can take over a garden. Like many wild flowers/weeds, attractive to some a nuisance to others.
GARDEN PARTY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
We might not be able to gather but nothing is stopping the tulips from putting on a show. Some varieties are beginning to fade but many are still in fine shape.
MONDAY WALK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Under the current Covid stay at home orders staying close to home is what we’re doing. I’ve always enjoyed walking in our neighbourhood and this spring it’s like seeing everything for the first time.
HINT OF VIOLET (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These two flowers are early spring arrivals and share a subtle beauty. More delights of the season.
SPRING CLEARWING
I took this photograph in May 2019. It’s the first time I’d seen a clearwing so early. A pleasant surprise.
STANDOUT
I like these sunflower-like flowers. They bring the promise of sun and warmth and Summer! Insects love them too. I took this photo late in the season when the surrounding vegetation was starting to fade, making the flower stand out that much more.
NOT TOO LONG NOW
Trout lilies are one of the first wildflowers we see each spring on our walks through the woods. I love to see them pushing their way through the leaf litter and melting snow.
PINK AND PURPLE
The Iris was vying for attention with the Prairie Smoke, a curious almost whimsical native plant. Later in the season the seed head of this flower produces whispy strands that look like smoke. Pollinators love them.
HOLD ON TIGHT
Pretty good advice for the times we live in 😏.
BEE WATCHING
I like to watch bees as they work their way among the flowers. This one had just gotten started as it hadn’t pick up much pollen yet. I took this photo with a long lens, you can get quite near to the insects without disturbing them or getting too close for your own comfort.
ON A WALK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
A scene from a warm summer day. No better way to spend a sunny afternoon than camera in hand surrounded by sights like this.
METALLIC BEE
Although very small there is no overlooking these brilliant green bees. This one was gathering pollen, and its legs are well dusted with it. Nothing says summer more to me than a scene like this.
