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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

So THAT'S Who is Shredding my Sunflower



I was pretty sure it was one of the neighborhood squirrels who was feeding on the biggest sunflower. I was lucky enough to catch him on the flower today with my camera. My granddaughter was here and delighted watching him eat. That is why I planted sunflowers...for the wildlife.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009


These certainly aren't the best of photos but they are the first I have been able to take of the little hummingbird visiting my flowers. Last spring I ordered a seed collection from Renee's Garden specifically for butterflies and hummingbirds. I had almost given up on seeing flowers on the Cardinal Flower vine, but a few days ago some started to appear...and so did this hummer. The colors indicate male, but not ruby-throated, I don't think. While he was here he visited the roses, sunflowers, the neighbor's Althea bush, and then disappeared. He actually rested on the fence for a few seconds but focusing on the little guy is a real challenge. I shall be waiting and watching.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

September Garden


This is the garden on the first of September. The sunflowers (those on purpose on the right and the volunteers from the birdseed on the left) and amazing. The sunflowers were great to plant for the children. The zinnias are bright in the bed at the back and the ones for the butterflies by my roses are thick and attractive. So far I have only seen those white common butterflies and a few Monarchs. I think there was a black one with some markings yesterday but I didn't get a good look at all.

The most dramatic change in my garden has been the sunflowers. They are 8 feet tall at least and the heads just get bigger every day. I missed the photo of my granddaughter looking up and watching a butterfly working away for the longest time pollinating one of the heads.
Abby is spritzing the roses but you can plainly see the Magic Carpet Zinnias by the path and the trellis of Cardinal Flower. She is blocking the carpet of Nasturtiums beyond the zinnias. All three varieties came in a package of plants especially for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Magic Carpet Zinnias

The Cardinal Flower Vine that I thought would never have blooms finally flowered with tiny delicate blossoms that look just right with the soft, lacy leaves. It certainly is attracting butterflies. I haven't seen the hummingbirds around it, but they are close.
Cardinal Flower Vine

Speaking of the hummingbirds, one is visiting the oriole feeder regularily. I don't know if it is the orange color of the feeder, the water in the base, or the grape jelly he is after but he stayed around long enough his second visit today that I could see the irridescent green of his body. Another bird to look up. Even with the tripod set up and the Canon in place with the big lens, I am not hopeful of catching him, but I will certainly try.
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Gabby Faye
Michigan, United States
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