From the breakfast table I spotted swallowtails flitting about in the garden, but by the time I had retrieved my camera and stepped outside the butterflies had disappeared.
I snapped a few views to share of the early morning garden, mostly of Zinnia ‘Cut and Come Again’ (Zinnia elegant pumila). Each flower, each plant reflected relief at yesterday’s rain.
Zinnia ‘Cut and Come Again’ (Zinnia elegant pumila)
Zinnia ‘Cut and Come Again’ (Zinnia elegant pumila)
Looking toward the meditation circle…
Zinnia ‘Cut and Come Again’ (Zinnia elegant pumila)
Additions I made in early May to a little corner bed behind the zinnias have been rewarding this summer. Dianthus Ideal Select Mix, Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ (Spurge) and Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ (Wormwood) all have been attractive. I had expected great things from 3 Dahlia ‘Fireworks’ but they are small and not showy.
Artemisia, Euphorbia, Dianthus
Cleome and Verbena bonariensis add nice vertical accents to this same corner bed.
Verbena bonariensis, Dianthus, Cleome
A few days ago my husband and I sat on our front porch enjoying a summertime pleasure, chocolate ice cream. We amused ourselves watching a languid Blue dasher Great Blue Skimmer that had settled along the table’s edge.
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) Updated 02-22-2021: Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans)
The coloration is marvelous on this creature.
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) Updated 02-22-2021: Great Blue Skimmer (Libellula vibrans)
pbmGarden 
You may have missed the swallowtail but I enjoyed seeing the lazy dragonfly. Your garden looks lush and beautiful, Susie. I’m really impressed by your zinnias! How much space do you give each plant? My recollection is that my seed packets recommended thinning seedlings to a foot apart but mine, at least at present, look too widely spaced to my eye.
Thanks Kris. I find the zinnias thin themselves out pretty well. This variety seems content at 8-10 inches.
Garden looks great! Dragonflies are amazing, I am enjoying the summer swarms.
Swarms? That sounds scary. Just a few get my attention. They fly around marshy spots as if defending the area.
Oh, how exciting. I think I mentioned to you once how we were in amidst of one on Sanibel once.
Dragonflies are awesome! I could watch them for hours, as well. I’ve grown ‘Cut and Come Again,’ too. I really like it. My other favorite Zinnias are ‘State Fair Mix’ and ‘Zowie! Yellow Flame.’ All are great cut flowers and they really attract the butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. 🙂
I should branch out and try more zinnias. Usually I have a cactus type but didn’t find seeds this year. Zinnias really are hardworking.
Wow! That dragonfly is amazing! I keep seeing them dart around (especially at dusk) but never have my camera out at the right time. I love your globe in your meditation circle. And your planting is lovely.
Oh, that camera—I’m torn between always wanting a picture and just enjoying seeing the creatures in the garden.
It is so nice to hear your enthusiasm for your garden again, it really comes through in your writing. The Cleome have done great things for you this year.
Thanks, I guess I am enjoying the garden more this year. I like the casualness of the Cleome.
I’ve also got ‘Cut and Cut Again’ growing in a pot. Not sure if I’m satisfied with it. All the flowers are either white or orange. I like to choose my own colors. Might prefer ‘Zahara’. We also need some rain!
Wow, Zahara is an interesting zinnia. Mine are fairly well mixed in colors this year. Often I complain I’d like more orange. Hope you get rain soon. We’re finally getting it through multiple, short-lived storms.