Hello, I am Barb Mrgich, a Master Gardener from Adams County, Pennsylvania, in USDA Hardiness Zone 6B. I love to garden, and I love to take pictures, so today I am sending some of my best shots.
A study in texture and color—nearly all from foliage. Dark hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum, Zones 4–9) with bold leaves in the front contrast with the gold sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’, Zones 5–8) behind it, while lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina, Zones 4–9) bring big, silver leaves behind that, surrounding a beautiful blue container.
Cloris, the Greek goddess of the flowers, watches over my pollinator garden.
Bumblebee on Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia, annual)
Two monarch butterflies visit the Mexican sunflower blooms. I have often seen a butterfly fly upside down. In fact, I have several different pictures showing it. I have always thought it is some kind of a mating ritual but have never read anything to substantiate my thought.
A female ruby-throated hummingbird absolutely loves the red salvia (Salvia splendens, Zones 10–11 or as an annual).
Brazilian verbena (Verbena bonariensis, Zones 7–11 or as an annual) and penstemon (Penstemon digitalis, Zones 3–8) tower over soon-to-be-blooming perennial sunflowers (Helianthus species), Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum, Zones 5–9), and milkweed (Asclepias species).