Tag Archives: Summer

Flowers

Morning Posies

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Around Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, morning of June 16th.

I liked the imperfection at the top of this bloom.

Swamp Sunflower
Swamp Sunflower

A thistle, with such an interesting shape and so many textures.

Thistle
Thistle

I’ve always liked the alien look of the Button bush flowers, but they have taken on a new feel in the post-COVID world after we’ve seen so many magnified viruses.

Button Bush
Button Bush

Many of the older Magnolia trees don’t seem to have bloomed as well this year as I remember. This was a good specimen.

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Magnolia Bloom

I don’t know what this is, but I do like it.

Pretty Pink Something
Pretty Pink Something

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023

Insects

Roseate Skimmer, Back Yard, 2

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While watching the Roseate Skimmer featured in yesterday’s post I noticed a bloom in one of my pots that was nearly the same color as the dragonfly.

Sometimes if you wait long enough an insect will land where you would like to take its picture.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly

I don’t know the plant, it is a volunteer from one I had a few years ago. It doesn’t look exactly the same, but that fluffy magenta is familiar.

September 3, 2022

Insects

Roseate Skimmer, Back Yard

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We haven’t had many dragonfly visitors in our back yard this summer. Conditions have been wetter and hotter, with no overnight cooldowns. I have no idea if this plays a part or if there are other forces in play.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, Purple Caladium Leaves

Today I was quite pleased to spot this Roseate Skimmer perching on a dried hibiscus stem on the patio.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly

I was even more pleased that he was still there after I went in for my camera.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly

He stayed around for quite awhile, with the classic dragonfly behavior of returning to the same perch, giving me plenty of viewing options.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, Black-eyed Susan

September 3, 2022

Flowers

Late Blooming Magnolias

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Only a few Magnolia Trees around the Low Country have flowers on them now.  There are so many varieties it’s hard to get a handle on the expected bloom time, but they are winding down in numbers, but not size or presentation.

Magnolia Blossom
Magnolia Blossom

These ones surely don’t mind the heat and are one of those plants that tolerate, and perhaps thrive, on overnights that stay above 75 F (24 C).

Magnolia Blossom With Peeking Pollinator
Magnolia Blossom With Peeking Pollinator

A single bee was attracted to this huge blossom, giving it a thorough inspection.

Magnolia Blossom and Passing Pollinator
Magnolia Blossom and Passing Pollinator

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 29, 2022

First and third images edited with DxO FilmPack.