Hydrangeas-the Harbingers of Fall

Two "snow-ball" bushes in the yard are loaded down with large and very full "mopheads". Their range of beiges and whites goes from beautiful ivory one would find in a bridal gown to beiges of the beach sand so recently caught between the toes on the beach. Some even go to a deep rose pink.
Large bouquets have been picked and brought indoors to dry (fall bouquets that will grace the Christmas tree and garlands when the time comes).
Of course, both Tigger and Tober have come around to find out why I find these bushes so interesting. They love having company in the garden.
The blue hydrangea also calls to be admired. This hydrangea is called "Everlasting Summer" in contrast to the "Snowball Bushes". It continued to bloom all summer. This hybrid has its own website!
Tonight may be our first frost, if so it is later than some years but let's hope we keep our gardens going for a few more joyful days of summer in September.

Butterfly Garden

Several of the plants in my garden have been planted to attract butterflies. They seem successful at attracting monarchs but not much else. So, what's a butterfly lover to do. Visit a Butterfly Indoor Garden! Luckily, Magic Wings www.magicwings.com is located not too far away in South Deerfield. Take a look at the various butterflies from around the world. If you can identify any of these for me I would appreciate it. I am going to have to make a second trip to the conservatory to help identify the butterflies that were gracious enough to pose for my camera!