Happy Earth Day

I am so excited. The native plants in my native plant planter are making a show. Soon, they will be covered with flowers, bees and, hopefully, hummingbirds.

Trillium
Trillium · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Trillium
Trillium · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Allium stipitatum
Allium stipitatum · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to much of eastern North America, from Canada to the southeastern United States.

The eastern red columbine typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) and has delicate, lacy foliage that is bluish-green. The plant produces distinctive and showy flowers, with five red petals that curve upwards to form a tube and a cluster of yellow stamens extending from the centre.

I bought my specimen several years ago. At the end of the growing season, I spread the seeds around the planters in my home. I get a big show of flowers each year when the flowers bloom in spring and early summer and are pollinated by hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Eastern Red Columbine
Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Sisyrinchium angustifolium, commonly known as narrow-leaved blue-eyed grass, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to much of North America, from Canada to Mexico. I planted it in my patio planter last year and am excited to see it spring to life this week. The plant typically grows to a height of 6 to 20 inches (15 to 50 cm) and has narrow, grass-like leaves that are up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 18 inch (3 mm) wide. The leaves are typically green but may have a bluish-grey or purplish tint. The plant produces delicate flowers up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and has six blue to purple petals with a yellow centre. I am so excited!

Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Heart-leaved aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to New Jersey and much of eastern North America. The leaves are typically green but may also have a purple tint. The plant produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers that are pink to lavender and bloom in late summer and early fall. My specimen gave me a great show of flowers last year. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Shaan saw a hummingbird among the aster the previous year.

Heart-leaved Aster
Heart-leaved Aster · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Eastern Red Columbine
Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) · Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Saturday 22 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Beneficial insect

I know what the flower is but what is this insect?

I don't remember when I planted the Heart-leaved Aster in the planter on the balcony, but this fall, I have been rewarded with a beautiful display of little white flowers with a pink centre. The flowers attract insects, providing me with plenty of macro photography opportunities (and an exercise in patience). This is the best of 25 images.; 23 were deleted.

I know what the flower is, but what is this insect?

Heart-leaved Aster

I planted calico aster in a native plants planter on my balcony. Over several years, I have established a small colony of allium and columbine, sometimes attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

I can't recall when I planted the lovely calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum var. lateriflorum). This summer, when I spotted this native plant from New Jersey in my patio planter, I decided to let it be. And now, it has finally burst into bloom, rewarding me with numerous delicate flowers.

According to the Jersey Yards website, the calico aster showcases charming white flowers that typically bloom from September to October. Not only does it provide nectar for native bees, but it also attracts beneficial insects that prey on garden pests in your yard. Additionally, it serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Pearl Crescent butterfly. You can utilise the calico aster in various ways, such as planting it in borders, grouping it for hedges or screens, or lining your walkways.

In my balcony's native plants planter, I've cultivated a small colony of allium and columbine over the course of several years. These plants have occasionally lured butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds, making my little garden a delightful hub of activity.

I used my trusty Fujinon MCEX-16 extension tubes and my XF16-55mF2.8 R LM WR lens. It's quite a challenge, though. Even the slightest breeze caused the stem to sway, disrupting my shot. I'll try it again when the air is calmer and still.