Who would think that the lovely Orchid (Orchidaceae) name is derived from the Anciet Greek name for testicle; noting the shape of the twin tubers of some speicies. (see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orchidaceae).
The beauty of this species brings forth other discriptors from viewers; at least from this viewer. This Orchid had been successfully attached to a tree in the quaint Lauderdale by the Sea Village retail area.
Royal Terns attempting to claim space while they watch for a meal. Perhaps acting un-royal at this moment. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) means “greatest Sea fisherman”. Quite a statement to live up to. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Royal Terns‘ tail feathers fan out when they are flight. Compare to the closed position otherwise on the beach. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Amid the human footprints the Royal Terns take a break from fishing, yet remain alert for more human feet. Notice their wings-out stance. They waddle to and from the shoreline in this stance. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Spanish moss adds mood o the scene. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
It is a prolific plant in Florida. Visitors are told that Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is an invasive, choking pest, harming trees and other plants that it inhabits. Its dense clusters do seem to cover its hosts. The strange truth is that it is a member of the pineapple family; with tiny flowers that I have yet to see because to see them requires a microscope. I have tried zooming in on the photographs I’ve taken but have yet to find any flower; so perhaps my timing was off, and I did not capture them during their bloom time.
Truth is that Spanish Moss, aka Grandpa’s Beard, is an air plant getting its food and water from the atmosphere. Its host plants provide only a resting place though it has been known to be so dense that the host plant does not enough sunlight and therefore suffers. Folklore is that the plant, “The Meanest Man That Ever Lived”, was from an old man’s hair that grew very, very long and caught on the trees. Things are often not what they seem. But the stories are fun.
Grandpa’s Beard?! Coyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Beautiful and eerie. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Close-up Spanish Moss. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
Tree enveloped by Spanish Moss. Copyright 2018, Pamela Breitberg
Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
is a perennial Hibiscus species native to Illinois. This is a rose with no thorns, no arresting fragrance, but a striking presence indeed.
These images look at the subject from the side and rear which draws attention to the patterns and details of this giant blossom.
Beauty in the details. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Details of a large “Rose“. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Swamp Rose Mallow bud and flower. Copyright 207 Pamela Breitberg
This is a member of the lovely vining Morning Glory family, opening its blossoms as the morning light highlights its beauty. However, this species is one of those non-native, Eurasian varieties that is a dreaded invasive visitor in American gardens. Known as Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) I enjoyed taking its portrait during a morning bike ride along a Lake Michigan pathway in Lincoln Park, far from any cultivated gardens. They appeared a fair distance from a prairie restoration area and were isolated from the golf course by a stone wall making their appearance more tolerable to the native purist. This Bind Weed did emulate its name wrapping around other vegetation proliferating this informal, unplanned area of horticulture.
Portrait of an invader (pretty but unfriendly). Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Catching the sunlight. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Busy morning on the Bind Weed Morning Glory. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
These Allium are ornamental yet apropos to be a statement in Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. These Allium are a variety of onion. Chicago means “wild onion”, so fitting they are among the wild animals.
The single bright bloom is complemented by the just-past-prime flowers surrounding it, keeping attention on itself.
The Bottlebrush Tree (Callistemon Sp.) at Florida’s Butterfly World. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Closeup of the “bottle bristles” in bloom. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg.
A favorite of butterflies, the Bottle Brush Tree is appropriately named and placed inside Butterfly World, Florida.
I’ve added a page, something that seemed to be missing from this blog. An explanation behind my blog’s chosen name. Check out the “What’s In A Name” tab on the left.
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
Not so innocent Trouble copyright 2013 Pamela Breitberg
Contented Trouble copyright 2013 Pamela Breitberg
Trouble resides at the near-by stable. Imagine a wild, small game hunter who craves the warmth of human kindnesses. Her split personality shows its sweet side in human’s presence allowing her welcome access to each neighbor’s gardens. Since our beloved Tigger has passed, Trouble has added our garden to her expansive territory and into our hearts. Her choice spot is directly under our bird bath, so it is certain the birds don’t share our welcoming attitudes.