As we were walking by Joel and Patty's the other day, the Butterfly bushes were definitely doing their job.  I caught two Tiger Swallowtails on a single bush.

 

Butterfly Bush, Buddleia davidii, is a fast-growing, spreading shrub that attracts butterflies with its  fragrance.  They come in several different colors, from yellow through pink to deep purple.  Most garden centers carry the varieties that do well in their areas.

 

Patty said they are so easy:  all you have to do is plant them, and they do the rest.  Hers are really pretty right now, especially with butterflies dancing all over them. It's a pretty tough walk up to the top of the hill, but it's worth it to go see them.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Can you guess where we were?  Recognize anything?  Fast flowing water, rocks, little blue bridge?

 

We were at the Ocoee, TVA dam #3.  Sunday was a gorgeous day for a Jeep ride, so we rode down to the Ocoee, just 30 miles.  We parked at the first Information Center on the left and walked the one mile trail around the rafting rapids.  It was so fun to see the rafters up close.  Way better than trying to look and drive at the same time, or parking on the side of the road.  This way we got to see them up close, and get in a little walk too.  It is a fee area, so take along $3 to put in one of those little envelopes.  Then you can stay all day, go inside the interpretive center, and enjoy the shade and walking areas.  
 

I couldn't help taking this picture of Mullein growing out of the rocks.  How do plants do that?  They are truly amazing.

 

I'll tell you about Mullein some other day.  I just wanted you to learn about the Ocoee, cause it's a fun thing to do on a hot summer day.  

 

HAPPY ALMOST SUMMER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

My beautiful leeks are getting ready to bloom. 

 

I planted seeds a few summers ago, and we've eaten quite a few leeks.  But this is why I grow them:  when they bloom, they are totally spectacular!!!

 

They are interesting at this stage too.  Each of those flower buds stands about 6 feet tall, and is packed with tiny flowers.  I'll take another picture when they open up.  You will see why I love them.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Check out this Eastern Eyed Click Beetle.  Those aren't really eyes, that's its middle section.  It is also not really this big, but the close up picture is so cool, I thought you'd like to see it.  In fact, it is about 2 inches long.  Pretty big for a beetle.  

 

Seek told us that this beetle is native to our area, and Wikipedia says that the false eyespots are a defense mechanism to fool predators.  If the eyespots aren't enough protection, they also have a click feature that catapults them out of danger.  

 

Of course we had to pick it up and feel the click.  That was fun...for us.  Not sure how much the beetle loved it.  After that, it tucked in all 6 legs, and antennas and stood very still until we went away.   Cheap entertainment.   ;D

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

We saw some Indian Pipes blooming in our woods, so of course when we were at the Park we looked for them there.  And we saw several large patches.  

 

Monotropa uniflora is its botanical name, and it starts blooming in June, sometimes blooming into September.  

 

They are white throughout because they have NO chlorophyll, in their leaves, stems, or flowers.  Since they can't manufacture food from sunlight, they get all their nourishment from decayed vegetation in the soil.  Indian Pipes are not mushrooms, although their waxy appearance makes them look a little mushroomy.   And the environment in which they grow also seems a little mushroomy to me.  Nope, they are in the Wintergreen family of flowering plants.  Interesting!!!

 

They are also called "ghost flower" and "corpse plant."  

 

They are easy to spot even though they aren't very tall.  They are very white and ghostly.  Be on the lookout.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Look!!!  The peas have started to bloom, AND attach themselves to the trellis.  I planted them a little late;  they could have been planted in the garden the first of March, and we'd have peas by now.  But I planted them the first of April.  Hope they can stand the warm weather coming.  

 

I just read that the time to fertilize peas and beans and peppers is when they start to bloom.  That way they get fed when they need it the most.  

 

Well, the beans and peppers aren't blooming yet, but I did put some 10-10-10 on the peas.  And waiting to see the little pea pods.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Maybe this is what the lady turkey was after the other day:  Out Of Control Catnip.

 

This is my garden trash pile, being taken over by catnip.  She may have smelled it.  Gizmo loves it;  not sure about turkeys.  Anyway, there is plenty to share.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

The lilies have started to bloom.  Aren't they fabulous?  It's worth the walk over to see them.  

 

I think Jim uses that Deer Away spray to keep the deer from eating the lilies.  I love reading the label on that stuff:  the first ingredient is putrescent egg solids.  YAK!!!  Anyway, it seems to work for them.  They have lots of lilies.  

 

If you want to add lilies to your garden, the bulbs are best planted in the fall.  If you're in the market for spring and summer flowering bulbs, go to https://brentandbeckysbulbs.com/  and view the fall catalog.  Daffodils, tulips, lilies, and everything in between to help you get ready to plant in the fall.

 

Hahaha!  Look at me, already thinking about the 2022 garden.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Another visitor to our garden.  

 

We love seeing the wild turkeys strutting around in the yard.  Even Gizmo was interested in this little lady walking through the orchard.  She didn't pay him any attention, though, she just kept pacing back and forth between the trees.  

 

I love living in the country.  There's always something interesting to see.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Our flock is growing!!!  We noticed 4 new flamingos have joined our little group.  

 

It is becoming a Flamboyance of Flamingos!!!!  Love it!!!

 

THANK YOU!!!!