Sunday, May 30, 2010

A New Appreciation



The poppy has been gorgeous, but like the peonies it is a fleeting beauty. I noticed this evening that the petals had already begun to drop.


I usually sit on the patio swing in the mornings, but yesterday morning my husband and I decided to sit on the front porch to enjoy our coffee. The curbside trees in our front yard are in bloom.



I noticed quite a few butterflies at the tree. After I finished my coffee and conversation, I quickly grabbed my camera to get some pictures.



I have no idea what kind of tree this is, I've searched and can't identify it. Maybe a Linden tree? It is very fragrant with a strong sweet smell. Do any of you know what it is?



There were several Red Admirals on the trees. I am excited to see so many butterflies this year! I saw precious few last year and I missed them.


I can't believe that I had never noticed the pollinators on this tree before now. I never really liked the two trees so I payed very little attention to them. Every spring I would be disappointed because the city placed these in front of my house rather than some of the prettier
spring flowering trees that all of my neighbors have.


These little bugs look like lightening bugs and they were all over the tree mating.



The bees were covered in pollen!

After today my opinion of the two trees is totally different. I have a new appreciation for them and I'm so glad that I have trees in my yard that attract so many wonderful pollinators.

Thank you all for you comments, regarding my parents. Your thoughts and prayers for them mean so much to me. My mother is continuing to improve but her recovery will be long and difficult. Please keep her in your prayers.

I hope everyone is enjoying this Memorial Day weekend!

13 comments:

A Garden of Threads said...

Hi Robin, Beautiful pictures of the visitors to your more appreciated trees. The flowers and leaves look like the ones on my Japanese Silk Liliac tree, goggle Japanese Silk Liliac and see if it matches. Hope your parents are doing well and take care.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Beautiful pictures.I too have noticed a lot more butterflies this year,and am very happy about that.
Enjoy the day.
Blessings,Ruth

Carol Michel said...

Robin, those are definitely Japanese tree lilacs, Syringa reticulata. I have one in my front yard which is the variety 'Ivory Silk'. It's a nice smaller tree and blooms later after most of the other spring flowering trees are done. The only problem I've every had with mine is that it leafs out pretty early, so sometimes the leaves get nipped by a late frost.

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Beautiful, Robin. You guys continue to be in my prayers.

Sherri said...

What lovely pictures Robin! Enjoy your weekend!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

The tree looks like a Lilac tree too me. We have one and it is finished blooming. It has wonderful bark when it gets older for winter interest too.

Northern Beauty Seeker said...

You know you are doing something right in your garden when the pollinators can't resist it. Best wishes to you and your family.

chasity said...

what a beautiful tree attracting so many wonderful insects....
great photos!

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Robin: I think your mystery tree is the Japanese Ivory Silk Lilac, one of my favourite trees. Lovely photos. Valerie

Joanne Olivieri said...

Such fantastic bee and butterfly shots. Up close and personal with each fold in the wings. It's amazing to see.

Jo Mayne Casey said...

What an attractive tree!!

Anonymous said...

Well, I was going to tell you what kind of tree it is, but looks like everyone beat me to it! I might be able to identify the bugs though, I think they are love bugs! My lantana overwintered in the cool basement. Looked pretty dead, but a leaf peeked out when it was moved up into the light. I've tried that before without success, but this time it worked!

Priscilla @ Homegrown Delight said...

I love your garden, looks so peaceful! Beautiful photos of butterflies, bees, & birds! I'm gardening in the mountains in CA. Since I live in the woods, I'm surrounded by nature. I'm trying to capture photos of more birds and butterflies!