Cloudless sulphur butterflies (Phoebis sennae) were flitting throughout the garden and I spent several frustrating minutes trying to capture a decent photo of one.
This was the best shot I managed. Even for butterflies, this species seems especially manic to me. |
Host plants, like these Senna bicapsularis, are plentiful in the garden at the moment |
I found one of the 6 newly installed sculptures tucked in an area many of the garden's volunteers refer to as the "back forty" (acres).
It was getting warmer by this point and growing closer to lunchtime so I abandoned the effort to locate the rest of the sculptures and meandered back in the general direction of garden's entrance. On my way I snapped a few more photos of plants that grabbed my attention.
I stopped at the Mediterranean Garden to appreciate a group of Salvias in full bloom.
This is Salvia mexicana 'Limelight', which I previously had difficultly growing in my own garden due to its water requirements |
As I bent closer to get a better photo of the Salvia's flowers, this fellow showed up. I believe he's a flame skimmer dragonfly (Libellula saturata). |
I was able to get 4 shots of him, growing closer and closer with each |
Capturing the dragonfly with my camera was an achievement in my view. I seldom see dragonflies in my area to begin with and my ability to catch photos of insects and birds when they appear is poor to say the least. To be honest, this was one exceptionally cooperative dragonfly. He didn't move no matter how close I got to him, while most butterflies speed away when I even think of shifting my stance to improve my shot.
As I again turned toward the garden's exit, I saw a squirrel alternately burying nuts and conducting a Don Quixotesque battle with a stick. Encouraged by my luck in getting photos of the dragonfly, I aimed my camera at him, only to have my battery die. I followed the scampering squirrel while fumbling to change the battery, ending up in the Garden of the Senses where I ran into my docent friend Kay. We chatted about her most recent changes to the area and I snapped more photos before we both headed out and home.
Bed featuring black-eyed susans (Rudbackia hirta) and an assortment of herbs |
All in all, a pleasant way to spend a morning following a business meeting. For more Wednesday Vignettes, visit Anna at Flutter & Hum.
All material © 2012-2019 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
That looks like a wonderful morning, Kris! Nice shot of the dragonfly too. It's really hard to photograph wildlife of all kinds - having had only occasional successes, I'm in awe of anyone who consistently produce stunning shots of these constantly moving jewels. Thank heavens for that cropping tool, I say! Also, I had no idea Fringe trees produced berries! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteI usually rely heavily on cropping for wildlife pictures of any kind, Anna. This was the rare occasion in which it wasn't necessary!
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to spend a morning! I could almost feel the warmth. We are now entrenched in autumn weather here, cold and wet. I've often had better luck with dragonflies than butterflies. Good shot! The sensory garden does look very pleasant.
ReplyDeleteYes, we're definitely far from cold and wet down this way, Alison. We're enjoying a brief span of very comfortable temperatures at the moment. The air quality isn't great but, hey, you can't have everything.
DeleteGood job on the flame skimmer! The really tricky photo is to capture them in flight.
ReplyDeleteI haven't anything on the order of your skills in photography, Eric.
DeleteWhat a lovely place! That garden of the senses looks fabulous. You got great photos of the butterfly and the dragonfly! They're hard to capture!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky that the dragonfly was cooperative - or just tired. I got so frustrated with the cloudless sulphurs refusal to settle for more than a nanosecond that I just started snapping photos one after another and just got lucky with one solitary shot.
DeleteThat was fun. The close up of the dragonfly is superb - a real winner of a shot. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI was stoked just to see a dragonfly, Barbara, but those photos made the walk through the garden for me on this visit.
DeleteI had forgotten about that Limelight Salvia...so pretty in blue. May have to try it here!
ReplyDeleteIt's one flashy Salvia, Libby!
DeleteThe gardens are looking great, changing with every season. Yay for volunteers! ;)
ReplyDeleteFollowing butterflies can be so frustrating, eh? Even with a long lens, it is a challenge. Glad the dragonfly cooperated!
Volunteers vastly outnumber the paid garden staff, Eliza. I may follow Kay's example and add some maintenance activities to my visits once I get my own garden back in order following our remodel.
DeleteYour dragonfly capture is better than any garden art, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI know and respect your feelings about garden art, Loree.
DeleteSuch an attractive place. The sculpture looks good in the back 40. I love dragons. They are migrating now too. Everyone talks about the Monarchs migrating but dragons do too.
ReplyDeleteI wish dragonflies were more common in my own neighborhood, Lisa. We've got too little water to attract them maybe.
DeleteWhy is it the battery always dies just before an incredible potential shot? A real treat to see all the plants I am unable to grow. Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteWell, the battery light did warn me in advance that I needed to change it, Elaine. I should have paid heed - one never knows when one will encounter a gymnastic squirrel ;)
DeleteI thoroughly appreciate when gardens label the plants - no matter the garden, there are always a few (or more!) plants that catch my eye and it's so nice when there is a clear label with that information (which I take a picture of, along with the plant).
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about capturing photos of insects and other critters - it takes patience and always having your camera at the ready.
Labels are a big deal for me too, Margaret, as I'm always on the look-out for new options to try in my own garden.
DeleteWonderful pictures of the butterfly and the dragonfly. That’s an exotic looking dragonfly. I photographed a butterfly very similar to yours this week and have been trying to identify it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the post was of help with your ID, Susie.
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