Ranger Bob got a large envelope today. We won an appeal on a tax matter. I served as his helper and managed an appeal for him. He was a big winner, and we celebrated with Mokka coffee: Bob, Mrs. Ichabod, Sassy, and I.
We all sat and watched from the front porch, so comfortable in the shade. The hummingbird feeder was one day old and attracting two different birds at the same time.
Sassy joined us for treats and crackers.
The hummingbirds love the feeder, but they spend most of their time flitting around the:
- Mountain Mint
- Joe Pye Weed
- Daisies
- Bee Balm
- Borage
- Clethra (cinnabon tree)
- Cat Mint.
Hummingbirds love the sweetened water, but they need tiny insects and spiders for food that sticks to their tiny ribs. The absence of toxins allows all the creatures to flourish, feed, and be fed upon.
Soon after I learned that dragonflies also like Joe Pye, one (order odonata) flew by, shimmering in the sunlight.
Everyone likes to see the pollinators working over the blossoms. The mailman may not appreciate the bumble bee swaying Bee Balms near our mailbox, but he has not been stung.
Another Vista
I had to check the Butterfly Garden, once a scene of disappointment and disaster. The long-term plants needed time to grow and become strong. Now the BG has very healthy Joe Pye, a giant Comfrey, several blooming Yarrows, and my only surviving Hidden Lily.On top of the Yarrow was a swallowtail butterfly, calmly resting a few inches from my face. I was expecting a need for some watering since the promised deluge for the week never arrived.
The beneficial insects and bees were flying and buzzing around. I wish people would realize they can stand next to the plants and view God's creatures impossibly close.
