Hallberg Butterfly Garden: Open Garden Day

Sorry for the super late notice: today's the day. It's the annual Open House event up at our little town's own treasure:
Hallberg Butterfly Gardens.
It's gonna be a bit of a hot one-- 93 degrees, same as yesterday, so I fear that may keep some people away... but I'll be volunteering in the plant sales area from 1-4pm regardless.

I hope to get my hands on a Dutchman's Pipe this year-- the host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail, and the butterfly preserve's claim to fame...Some history is here.
The Pipevine Swallowtail is a dramatic black & blue; these are (top) a Tiger Swallowtail enjoying a buddleia (the aptly named 'butterfly bush') & an Anise Swallowtail on a verbena bonariensis in our yard...Butterflly ID's courtesy of resident expert Tony, who was excited to encounter TWO Polyphemus Moths (bottom) up close & personal while in the midwest...

And here's a picture of a Pipevine via the Hallberg site.

The View from Elsewhere

Yes, this lovely sight is directly from the deck of sister Dawn's (and Carrie's) new home.
(We're looking out from Wisconsin, across the St. Croix towards Minnesota.) With lightning storms, fireflies, boats, birds, sudden downpours, rainbows, family, food, wine & more...

With many thanks to our hostesses, & tour guides-- we had a lovely time!

(click to enlarge 'em!)

more summer glory

... just a few of the warm tones.

1) 'Golden Celebration' rose, with studio behind.
2) Black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia), self-sown
3) Yarrow over poppies
4) 'Graham Thomas' rose
5) Zinnia-- one of China's seedlings!

just the pictures

It's been unseasonably cool (& greyer than usual too) but no complaints. We're very busy with a show, so here's some of what's out there now: