Alan Ilagan

This is the butterfly bush ~ Buddleia ~ which just started coming into bloom this week in the middle of all the heat and humidity. The specimen seen here – the only one currently in our yard – is a pink version. Purple is the more common color among butterfly bushes, and this lighter strain seems to have given up some of its butterfly-drawing power in exchange for the rarer shade. I say that because the traditional purple form seems to have many more visitors. Don’t get me wrong – ours attracts a decent number of butterflies and bees and moths – I’ve just seen others that actually bring in swarms of flying friends.

Being that this one is right by the pool, however, I suppose its lighter drawing power is a blessing. I’ve fallen in trying to avoid insects that mistake me for a landing pad.

This is the start of a series of peony posts – if you like them like I do you’ll be pleased throughout the day. If you don’t, I kindly suggest you come back tomorrow. (And even then you may not be safe.)

The one good thing about these being posted here is that you don’t have to worry about ants. (It still doesn’t make up for the fact that you can’t enjoy the fragrance – which is half the point of a peony.)

This is the broad-leaved terrestrial orchid in the front room of our home. It blooms about once a year, but this time it happened sooner than usual for some reason. (Historically it has brightened January or February, when we really need it the most.)

Since it was so far ahead of schedule, I hadn’t noticed the flower spike poking its way up into the thick leaves, and it almost got caught beneath one of them. I found it just in time, as its buds were beginning to curl under and deform themselves. Plants, like people, are remarkably resilient sometimes, and can bounce back from the worst abuse and neglect if caught in time. As can be seen here, this one did just that.