Petals and Pollinators

24 July 2026

It’s a good thing to share beautiful things. That is one of the reasons that I enjoy working on this blog. It pleases me to spend time in my garden taking photos of the things that I consider beautiful and then I hope you share that feeling.

These last few weeks, I am focusing on the petals and describing them as debutantes at a grand ball. The excitement of the social occasion with bright colors and elegant costumes seems to suit the summer garden.

The last couple of weeks, I have also been mentioning the pollinators. I am excited about the upcoming Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 21 and 22. If you want to learn more about it here is the link. https://gsepc.org/.

Here are the six for the week.

1. Formosa Lily

Lilium formosanum is also known as the Taiwan Lily is the last lily in the garden to bloom this year. They have all been great but I am partial to this one since I grew it from seed obtained at the Monticello Shop located in Charlottesville, Virginia and supports the Jefferson Foundation.

2. Crape Myrtle “Natchez’

Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’ is in full bloom today. This grouping is about 25 feet tall and drapes over the street. The red bark you see is a wonderful feature of this shrub. It does send up a lot of “suckers” but they are easily cut down.

3. Zebra Grass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebra’ is a pretty ornamental grass that seems to mind its manners. It is growing happily in part shade. It is fairing well along the roadside.

4. Canna

Canna ‘Canova’

I think this Canna is ‘Canova’ with its bright orange blooms. It does not seem to mind growing along the street. There are no signs yet of leaf roller problems.

5. Ginger Lily

This ginger lily (Curcuma sp.) hides its blooms in the depths of those broad leaves. Isn’t that a pity!

6. Butterfly Milkweed

This is Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed). It is the only host genus of the beloved Monarch butterfly. If you look closely, you can see that the bumblebees are loving it today. I have several thriving patches of it now. I did see one Monarch early this summer. Perhaps, more will visit on their pilgrimage southward.

I will join the Six On Saturday group tomorrow. Come visit at the website https://gardenruminations.co.uk/. If you want to participate, their are instructions on the website.

There is another bumblebee on the lantana in the featured image.

Happy Gardening!!