*Early* Snowfall

I'm used to seeing snow flurries or even the rare dusting of snow around Halloween, but this is ridiculous--around 6 inches of snow. With leaves still on many trees, there is a good chance of limbs weighed down with snow breaking under the pressure. I went out twice yesterday to shake the snow from our dogwood trees. Each time they sprang back to their normal positions.

Early yesterday morning, when the snow had just started, I ran out to get some pictures of the daisy fleabane (still going strong) with a covering of snow.

I'm not a big fan of winter, and am not looking forward to an early start--but I have to admit the trees are beautiful in the natural areas. I am more motivated than ever to grow more trees and shrubs on our property; I want that natural beauty in our own yard.

Daisy Fleabane

Erigeron--daisy fleabane, has become one of my favorites over the years. It is an annual and one of the earliest field flowers that I have. Although I think of them as early spring and summer flowers, this one robust patch is still blooming and looking as fresh as ever.

Immaculate Monarch

Although I included the monarch butterfly in my "Pollinators of All Different Stripes" post, I'd like to showcase it here. It looks brand new...perhaps it is newly eclosed from its chrysalis--and perhaps it is result of one of our very own caterpillars "born" and raised right here.

With so much rain for a week or two and too much to do lately, I never took the time to search for the chrysalises...maybe next year I'll get a shot of one of those beauties.

More Pollinators of All Stripes...

Fall Day Diversity

With highs in the low 50s today, I was surprised to see such a variety of insects out on the asters and goldenrod. Although some of the bumblebees I encountered seemed sluggish, others were quite actively buzzing from flower to flower. There was a lone butterfly among the numerous of other insects.