This post has been hanging out in my drafts, waiting for something I’ve long forgotten.


July 2018
ACE Basin
Around Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, morning of June 16th.
I liked the imperfection at the top of this bloom.
A thistle, with such an interesting shape and so many textures.
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.
Many of the older Magnolia trees don’t seem to have bloomed as well this year as I remember. This was a good specimen.
I don’t know what this is, but I do like it.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
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.
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
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.
Today I was quite pleased to spot this Roseate Skimmer perching on a dried hibiscus stem on the patio.
I was even more pleased that he was still there after I went in for my camera.
He stayed around for quite awhile, with the classic dragonfly behavior of returning to the same perch, giving me plenty of viewing options.
September 3, 2022
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.
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).
A single bee was attracted to this huge blossom, giving it a thorough inspection.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 29, 2022
First and third images edited with DxO FilmPack.