My cleome patch is both my best and worst flower bed ever. I love the way it looks when the flowers are tall and in full bloom. But I hate waiting all year for that couple of months of beauty. The rest of the year, it is a patch of dirt. Right in front of the house. I should plant something shrubby and more year round there, but I just love those two months of beauty so much, that I never do.
Plus they attract hummingbird moths. These little pretties are such fun to watch. The first time I saw one, I was sure it was really a hummer. They come out after dark and their wings are in constant motion just like the bird it is named after.
When I saw that I could get inches away from it and not scare it off, I realized it was a bug, not a bird.
Aren't they pretty?
EDIT- This post was written ahead of time, before I left on my trip. I'll have new posts all week while I am away, but might not get to answer all comments or emails, but I will be reading and enjoying them on my Ipad. Thanks for coming by! I hope to add some "Live" posts from the road too.
I’ve never heard of “hummingbird moths”. What beautiful images! Thanks for sharing!
I remember the first time I saw one of these moths. I had no idea what it was! they are really interesting.
Arent they intriguing?
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I have never heard of these either! How amazing. Looking forward to seeing your next posts – have so enjoyed seeing all of your preparations!
I just saw my first one last month! There was a pair on my red salvia greggi. I was convinced it was a hummer too until I noticed the antennae. LOL I got a couple of crappy pics but nothing like your’s.
So wish I could have joined you in fairyland! *sigh* But of course the Wicked Tea was lots of fun too.
Never have heard of this in all my 58 years. Thanks for sharing.
My mom and dad have tons of these in their yard in La Cygne. My daughter loves to watch them at dusk. I have never had any luck in the suburbs with them but they are wonderful to watch…great shots of them I am sure sugarwings loves them….Renee
Yes, dusk is when they come out, and the light is bad, so at first I thought it was a bird. They are a good imitation till you get closer
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My exhusband’s grandmother had these planted all along her drive…she called them cat’s whiskers! I loved them and would always collect the seed to plant them…love them!
I have those moths, too. They are very interesting.
~elaine~
I have never seen these before, I am going to check to see if we even get them in Victoria, BC. Your photo’s are stunning, thanks Karla, Marilyn
What a gorgeous creature. Great photographs as well.
That would be a hard decision. Is there any way you can move the bushes somewhere else you can enjoy them so your front planter can have the year-round bushes you’d prefer at the front? Or would the plants not survive the replanting?
I’ve never seen one! How interesting!