A common, which means favorite, summer bloom in Chicago is the Coreopsis. Today I learned it’s also Florida’s state wildflower! Plus it’s a native to Missious as well; it certainly gets around! That means coreopsis is my new favorite wildflower because it connects with each of my worlds. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
There are many varieties of Allium so I don’t dare guess at the specific Allium shown here. Alliums include onion, garlic and leek varieties; this one was decorative in purpose. The Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rapae) rests momentarily. It is probably the most readily visible butterfly in the Midwest, so it’s beauty is too often overlooked. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
This is a common plant for window boxes and planters at outdoor dining venues in Chicago. Always beloved Petunia; sometimes over-planted but always selected to brighten the scene.
Planted here, contrasting with red Begonias this Petunia’s trumpet shape is captivates many an insect. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The more traditional view of Petunias show their colors that seem to radiate from their inner core.. A common, traditional favorite. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Ah, the all American, Eurasian immigrant, beloved by children and many adults. The White Clover (Trifolium repens) is considered an agressive weed by landscapers and homeowners. Children love to make clover chains necklaces as a summer pasttime. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
One MUST lie down in the grass to relish the sweet beauty of the White Clover. I love this Americanized immigrant! Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Ixora Nora Grant (Ixora coccinea) is one of the most popular shrubs in southern Florida. These balls remind me of the northern Snowball bush; but this plant’s balls burst out in bright tropical color. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Compact, dense blooms found at the Morikami Japanese Garden, but prominent all over Southern Florida.. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Sharing a pretty “weed”, the common White Clover (Trifolium repens). Pretty in the park lawn as well as in chain links as necklaces.
Macro look at White Clover, copyright 2016 Pamela Breitberg
More familiar view of White Clover, copyright 2016 Pamela Breitberg
White Pine…or so assumed, copyright 2014 Pamela Breitberg
Best guess, is sometimes the best I can do when it comes to identifying a plant species. Snowfall challenges my abilities further. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.) is my best guess for this common evergreen in our neighborhood. Most trees were planted in effort to provide green accents in newly built residential sites.
Though the 48 inches of January followed by yesterday’s 4 inches are trying the patience of the heartiest around here, the temperature was well above zero yesterday. We were a balmy 30 degrees (Fahrenheit), so I ventured out for an hour-long vigorous walk. Only half of our day’s snow total had landed, so I grabbed our waterproof Nikon Coolpix camera. I don’t mind walking in active snowfall; but I respect my lenses’ care needs. It seems that White Pine seeds prefer a moist environment, so I’m assuming their needs have been met this winter.
Pinec one wrapped in fresh snow, copyright 2014 Pamela Breitberg