and you'll never believe what I have been doing ~ sweating it out in the sweltering sun (try saying that five times) attempting to photograph a gorgeous Black Swallowtail who is mighty uncooperative. I can't believe I was miserable for over an hour and have nothing to show for it (so far). I'm not giving up tho ~ he has to land sometime ~ and when he does, I'll be there!
Other garden dwellers proved infinitely more cooperative, like this tomato-red petunia:
who dwells in an interesting rusted urn container sitting beside my side gate:
A happy, welcoming color, wouldn't you say? Perfect for a sunny day like today.
About 10 feet to the right of the urn, is a shaded corner where I relocated Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket:'
It seems very happy here ~ it never receives enough sunlight to wilt its leaves but gets plenty of bright, indirect light. I love when a move works out for the better. I've read that hummingbirds like the yellow flower spikes but I've never seen them visit 'The Rocket' in my garden?
btw, not such great design, the placement of two "spiky" perennials right next to each other. I will have to contemplate an alternative companion come fall.
Meanwhile, 'The Rocket' stays.
In another location entirely (the front bed) a plethora of Monardas have begun to bloom. I showed you 'Cambridge Scarlet' the other day, and now I give you 'Purple Stocking:'
co-mingled with pink coneflowers ~ entirely unplanned ~ all the Echinaceas pictured self sowed in their locations. Nicely done, huh? In the background you can see one lone bloom of 'Raspberry Wine' Monarda. It's a little slower to get going but a wonderful color I knew I wanted in my garden.
Below: A macro of 'Purple Stocking' ~ because you knew I couldn't resist!
The hummingbirds are going to be so happy when they arrive. All their favorites await....
Lastly, just to prove I CAN photograph butterflies, a pristine Painted Lady:
taken before sunset last night. She provided no where near the challenge I am having with the Black Swallowtail.
Also a damselfly had no problem posing for me during the afternoon yesterday:
but darn it, I still can't get that elusive Black Swallowtail. I'm off to brave the inferno again ~ wish me luck and better results!
I can never get butterflies to land and wait for a picture. You did get great shots of the other visitors though. Now that I see your 'Blue Stocking' I'm sure mine was mislabeled. It looks closer to the 'Raspberry Wine' in the background. I can't believe how good your Ligularia looks in that heat! Mine wilt with hardly any sun shining on them at all, and they are in mostly shade. Stay cool!
Posted by: Catherine | July 17, 2010 at 07:41 PM
Good luck trying to get a shot of the elusive Swallowtail! I actually spotted a Monarch flitting about yesterday and didn't have my camera with me. Isn't that how it works? lol Your photos today are gorgeous, so crisp and clear.
Posted by: Racquel | July 18, 2010 at 06:18 AM
Your photos are just soooooo beautiful and crystal clear. Love the Purple Stocking macro. I got a Monarda this year - I think I had one before and lost it. I can see now I need more. Butterflies can be a real challenge sometimes can't they? Your Painted Lady and Damselfly turned out great. Keep trying and good luck.
Posted by: RainGardener | July 18, 2010 at 08:56 AM
Fantastic images, Kathleen!The one with a butterfly is my favorite, and I love the bloom as much as I love the creature.
Posted by: Tatyana | July 18, 2010 at 08:23 PM
So many lovely images Kathleen - the butterfly captured on the coneflower is just gorgeous!
Posted by: Kala | July 18, 2010 at 09:50 PM