Hummingbird Clearwing Moth July 23, 2009

The hummingbird moths have been visiting the garden often. They really enjoy the petunias. You can see why they are called "clearwing" moths, as you can see the pink of the petunia through the wings. I am looking out of my window from my computer desk and see one on the garden phlox.

Walking in the Garden July 23, 2009

Portulaca is a very heat tolerant plant

Garden Phlox - very fragrant

Moth on marigolds

Blackeyed Susans - such a bright yellow, like a ray of

sunshine

"Victoria Blue" Salvia - I love the color of this flower

and enjoy the blooms all summer with a little deadheading.

Allium

Moth (?) on Butterfly Bush - I haven't seen but two

butterflies this summer but I have lots of these very

small brown moths, if that is what they are.

Angel's Trumpet

I love the Angel's Trumpet because it blooms at dusk and has a wonderful fragrance. This is the fourth year the same plant has returned. It has over 50 blooms and buds. I deadhead at least 10-15 blooms every morning. If the blooms are left on the plant, it will drop the bloom and develop a large round prickly seed pod. On a cloudy day, the blooms will last until noon. I also have the climbing one called Moonflower. It is not blooming yet. I can't wait because it is climbing on my deck post. The large moths are attracted to the blooms at night.

Surprise Lily (Magic Lily, Resurrection Lily)

I didn't get to enjoy the first blooms of the surprise lily because of my trip, but three more have bloomed since I have been home. They are so pretty. Thanks Linda!

After three tries, I finally have a surprise lily coming up. Would you believe, today is Thurs. and I am leaving town for a week on Sun. I can only hope that the first one will grow really fast so I can see it bloom, but I am probably dreaming. Out of the 3-4 planted, maybe one will hold out until I return home.