Now in my seventh January in South Carolina I remain delighted by the winter blooming jonquils that pop up in unexpected places. In New England these would be a sure sign that spring was right around the corner. Here, winter, although shorter, is just getting started.
Most of the ones I’ve seen this year are yellow.
These were along the heavily wooded “nature train road” at Magnolia Plantation.
Early afternoon last week some dappled sun was reaching the blooms.
The pink of this Hydrangea bloom caught my eye from the other side of the pond and fortunately there is a bridge that let me get closer at an angle with a reflection.
Another version, taken a bit further away at a spot where the blue sky didn’t reflect in the water.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 12, 2022
The petals were just passing their prime and the intricate center of this flower cast some interesting shadows.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 28, 2022
Daddy Long Legs spiders were climbing all over this small clump of spotted beebalm.
The dappled sun was warming after a cool start and prey possibilities including smaller insects may have become active, too.
I have no idea what this one is doing; I wondered if it was laying eggs but all information I’ve found says they lay their eggs in dirt.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 14, 2022
Monarda punctata
Spotted Beebalm, Spotted Horsemint, Horsemint
The light changes fast as the sun comes up.
These Milkweed seeds had broken out of their pod but weren’t getting away.
It was breezy, but not enough to set the seeds free while I was watching.
Another perspective, looking down on the cluster.
Piscataquis County, Maine
September 29, 2022
This combo reminds me of a still life painting, where the green pod, empty pod, dried leaves and the fluffed up pod are artfully placed.
This group had a colorful photobomber.
These few seeds were slowly escaping, held back by entanglements inside the pod.
Piscataquis County, Maine
September 29, 2022
So, it is no longer Sunday… WordPress has been failing to post some of some scheduled items lately so her it is… Magenta Monday
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
September 16, 2022
…and not a frog in sight!
August 26, 2022
Cypress Gardens, Moncks Corner, SC
