Grasshoppers

While deadheading the marigolds, I ran across this yellow grasshopper. I tried to identify it on the internet but there are LOTS of types, way too many to spend the time to properly identify it. This little green grasshopper was enjoying the day on a coleus. I love the contrast in colors.

Flying Flowers

Where are all the butterflys? This is only the third time I have seen a butterfly...a monarch once and a tiger swallowtail twice...each for a very brief time. Last year I had lots of butterflys all summer. I am also not seeing many bees compared to last year. I wonder what the problem is? Tiger Swallowtail

Crepe Myrtles

The crepe myrtles are beautiful. I was so relieved that I had very few japanese beetles this year. They usually play havoc on the pink crepe myrtle and the rose bushes.

Salvia of many colors

I really enjoy the salvias because they attract hummingbirds, especially the "Maraschino" and "Lady in Red" salvia. Purple salvia (perennial) "Maraschino" salvia (perennial) I cut this back in the spring and it grows to about 4-5'. This one is a favorite of the hummingbirds.

"Lady in Red" Salvia (reseeds)

Pink salvia (I collect and replant seeds in spring)

Gathering Pollen

As I was browsing around the yard, I noticed a bumblebee that had some very bright yellow on it. I wondered if it was a type of bee that I not seen before. After uploading the photo and enlarging it, I realized the yellow was pollen. What a happy bee!!

Triplets in the garden

Oh no - the deer have found my garden, and triplets no less! Deer have always raised in the woods behin our house but I have never seen them in the yard Let's hope they don't like flowers or I'm out of luck. There's an apple tree nearby. Hopefully they wil prefer apples over flowers.