On Saturday I posted a ‘creepy’ sunflower, but today’s sunflower looks worn out and tired, as I suspect there might be a few individual looking the same after enjoying a long, holiday weekend of fun and who are not ready to head back to work today.
Tired Sunflower
When the word sunflower is mentioned, I picture a field of sunny, smiling yellow sunflower heads lined up in row after row. But before those yellow heads appear, a creepier looking object emerges first, like a man eating plant from those early sci-fi movies which still often re-run on late Saturday nights.
Creepy Sunflower
The Black-eyed Susans are enjoying a sunny, late summer day.
Sunny Susans
While yesterday’s zinnias are pretty, the hummingbirds and insects might like other varieties of flowers better for nectar. The hummingbird clearwing, a moth in the Sphingidae family, liked these blue flowers as it was zipping around the flowers yesterday. The hummingbird clearwing can vary in color from the olive green and burgundy on its back.
Hummingbird Clearwing
While pretty weeds or wildflowers can spice up a scene, so can late summer flowers planted in a yard. The garden zinnia stems back to a native plant found in Mexico and a species sample was collected by Spanish botanists in 1789 and now there are many different cultivars of the zinnia flower. And it is hard to say which is older, this zinnia cultivar or the old milk and pump house, but they are both pretty.
Zinnias and Milkhouse
A field full of weeds can look pretty, but then to some the yellow goldenrod isn’t a weed and is held as a sign of good luck or good fortune. They are good fortune to insects providing a source of nectar and well as historically healing wounds on the skin. Even Thomas Edison experimented with goldenrod to produce rubber, which it contains naturally.
Others might cuss out the goldenrod for allergy problems but another culprit, the ragweed, which blooms at the same time is usually responsible for seasonal allergies.
Pretty Field of Weeds
It is a nice surprise to see flowers on the edge of the lawn which blew in from somewhere rather than just extra weeds. The pink color of the Phlox brightens up an otherwise dull looking area.
Wayward Flower
It seems most of the summer flowers are orange, yellow or white but there are some other colors the bull thistle reddish pink blossom as well as some prettier purple flowers.
Sea of Purple
Late summer flowers are opening up in the yard, including the hollyhocks, which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. But they must not provide much nectar as the hummingbirds have been drinking a lot of sugar water yet.
Hollyhock
Farmers are busy putting up hay during the dry days and even the flowers seem to be enjoying the sunny days instead of having their colors washed out. I wonder if there are any birds nesting in the rustic birdhouse.
Climbing Pink Clematis
