Island in the Net by Khürt Williams
Technology and Photography Musings. Established circa 2000.
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?
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.
Monday's weather put me in a gloomy funk. Today the sun appeared again, but the air was cold. I read a blog post by Mary Anne Borge about her walk on the Rockhopper Trail in West Amwell. Mary Anne encountered birds and plants and wildflowers. She mentioned that the warmer weather may have brought on some early budding and flowering. Normally the native wildflowers will appear in mid to late April in the Mid Atlantic.
With a bit of FOMO, I felt the urge to be outside in nature. My goal was to hopefully capture photos of round-lobed Hepatica or rue-anemone.
My first stop was at the Rock Brook along Hollow Road. I have encountered numerous specimens of native wildflowers here but today, the flowers I found only Ficaria Verna and invasive plant from Asia and West Africa.
It was sloshy along the trail in the Sourland Nature Preserve on East Mountain Road. I didn’t find as many plant specimens as Mary Anne, but I wasn't in the mood for bushwacking. Perhaps it's too early for Rue Anemone. I found no hepatica. I had no problem finding Spring Beauty.
There were other couples out hiking, and I encountered one family with four boys blowing of anxious energy. After ninety minutes walking around, I circled back to the trailhead. I was determined to find something. A few yards in I spotted singular bloodroot among the dried leaves.
Harusaki is early spring in Japanese.
This is my entry for Jeff's isolation project.
Submitted as part of the 100DaysToOffload project.
