butterflies like Salvias?? I've never seen them visit this annual before and I grow 'Lady in Red' every year (for the hummingbirds). This Western Tiger Swallowtail was very persistent, and insistent, that he/she did love it tho ~ flitting to nearly every stalk in the container ~ which was not an easy task for him.
Many other flowers would make easier dining choices ~ like the lantana he eventually moved on to ~ I just thought it was an interesting observation...
On an entirely different subject, the morning glories have finally starting to bloom. Hooray! The container is not covered in blooms yet, so for now, I'll just share a couple macro shots until that does happen. Here's 'Heavenly Blue:'
and again (this time side-to):
Two different seeds were started and planted together (because we like to mix it up like that around here). The second variety was 'Blue Star:'
Don't you think the light and dark blue colors combine (and contrast) nicely with each other?
Today I need to get productive outside. I've had a bit of a lull when it comes to the garden. The pond filter desperately needs to be cleaned, the lawn needs to be mowed, the containers need some TLC, etc., etc. It was nice to take a little break but now that the temperatures have cooled (feeling decidedly fallish) it is very pleasant to be outdoors. The more I'm out, the more I notice too ~ like a little Rock Wren hopping along the north path. I'm glad I didn't miss him. Then last night, on my evening walk, two Great Horned Owls were perched on opposing rooftops, filling the night air with their calling. It was an inspiring experience to witness and hear. First one would hoot ~ that deep, low, distinctive sound ~ then the other would "answer." I stood there silently (listening and watching) for minutes until I finally walked home. When things like these happen, it makes me happy that I garden and can help nature out, even the tiniest bit. It's also motivating, which means I should get a lot done today, right?!!! I sure hope so!
Hi Kathleen. Your Morning Glories are just so pretty and beautiful images. I love the last one of light blue with darker blue stripes. Gorgeous!
Posted by: Lona | September 08, 2010 at 10:22 AM
'Heavenly Blue' -- how aptly named. But I think I actually prefer the 'Blue Star', though they are a wonderful combination. Morning Glories will forever remind me of my Dad's first gardens. :)
Posted by: Nancy Bond | September 08, 2010 at 12:57 PM
That must have been so cool to hear the owls talking back and forth. Things like this just warm my soul.
Great photos!
Posted by: Grace | September 08, 2010 at 09:47 PM
Really? The Salvias in my garden always seem to be attractive to the butterflies. Especially the 'Black & Blue' which is a favorite of Hummers & flying flowers alike. :)
Posted by: Racquel | September 09, 2010 at 10:38 AM
It's strange that I didn't see as many butterflies as usual around here this year and I have many more flowers and they are happier than they've been in years. Or maybe I have just been too busy working my butt of to see them. ;-)
Yes, the Morning Glories go great together.
Posted by: RainGardener | September 09, 2010 at 02:25 PM
Kathleen, How wonderful to hear the owls~and your morning glories are beautiful. A neighbor has them all along her garden fence and they are wonderful mixture of blues...I love to walk by them in the early mornings. Gail
Posted by: Gail | September 09, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Glad to see your Morning Glories blooming...I'm finally seeing some buds on mine too - I thought they would bloom all summer so it's been a bit disappointing. But it is a large gorgeous vine anyway.
Posted by: Dana | September 12, 2010 at 08:11 PM