Welcome!

Welcome to austinagrodolce … My family and I garden with more intention and enthusiasm than allocated budget or overall design plan. It shows. Wildlife populations don't seem to notice our lack of cohesive design, they just like the native plants here. It seems by growing local we've thrown out a welcome mat. Occasionally, we're surprised at who (and what) shows up.



Monday, May 5, 2014

Playing favorites

I've noted several bloggers posting photos of their favorite plants in the garden recently.  It is quite common to have favorites in the garden - many pollinators are particular as to what they will visit and there are butterflies and moths that will only visit a single plant out of all that is available.

It is more specifically a human attribute then to have favorites that we want to share.  I've written here previously admitting how I am a complete patsy for pink evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa) and winecup (Callirhoe involucrata) both.

I think I may have discovered a new favorite.  Allow me to introduce you to Agapostemon, (probably A. Splendens) aka the metallic green sweat bee.  I think she is absolutely breathtaking, especially in the context of her chosen backdrop.


6 comments:

Tina said...

Oh my goodness--what a photo and she is a pretty girl with an important career!

Cat said...

She's pretty. You've managed to catch quite a few great shots of the wildlife in your garden. Way to go! I'm impressed by your patience...I mean pig-headed determinedness :) (spell check didn't like that last word, but I'm going to use it anyway!)

TexasDeb said...

Tina: She was certain busy!

I keep waiting to hear from her representation regarding the unauthorized use of her image. So far so good but it is probably only a matter of time.

TexasDeb said...

Cat: You are such an excellent photographer - I love the images you post. Your encouragement is especially happily noted.

Ha! Pig-headed determinedness. Yes ma'am! Spell check can kiss my grits.

Debra said...

Nice picture of the sweat bee! Do you find they are drawn to your pool? I've heard stories ....

TexasDeb said...

Debra: Thank you!

No indication they are drawn to the pool. We haven't seen many sweat bees before. This is one of the first times I've noticed any in our yard and even so only working the flowers in bloom.