Scrolling through some summer-created images I noticed the similar shaped flowers of the Petunia and the Bindweed. Sometimes nature (and/or God) designs complete originals and sometimes it copies parts of it’s other creations.
Ever-popular and reliable Petunias blooming in an outdoor planter. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Ever-UNpopular Bindweed; unpopular because of it’s binding/choking nature to other plants. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
The ever-loved, summer favorite, Day Lily was blooming among a garden arrangement in Lincoln Park, Chicago.Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Sharing here just some of the MANY lighthouses decorating Michigan Avenue this summer. These were made to highlight special needs persons and to showcase their gifts of talents. Enjoy and come see! All images 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.
Hiding amongst the Coneflowers (Echinacea) is the wondrous Monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterfly. Here one rests on the Conflower, but it’s preferred food is grasses while it lays eggs on the Milkweed plant. Monarchs in Chicago (and other northern places) and then travel over 3000 miles to Mexico for the winter. It will be a new generation that travels North next summer. CLICK the image above to track migration via “Journey North”. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Years of butterfly observation have taught me that Monarchs toward the end of their life fly slower and slower making them easy to catch by hand and hold for a short time before setting them free. They are fascinating to observe close up. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Green Heron
Careful observation at Lincoln Park’s North Pond can reveal unique birds. This Green Heron (Butorides virenscens) probably wintered in the southern States or Central America. In the South they frequent coastal areas or Mangrove swamps. In the Midwest they are content to residency by ponds and wetlands. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
I wasn’t looking for “contrasts” when enjoying the sights and cool breeze at Buckingham Fountain, Chicago. But couldn’t resist these two images. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Look behind the large bike and you’ll see the other young lady has a small scooter. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The awesomely large, regal, magnificent Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, is most enjoyed on these super hot summer days. One learns quickly where to stand to catch the cool sprays. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
Can you feel the cool invigorating sprays? Nighttime is the most incredible show of ever changing colors and spray heights. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
A must-do destination, Buckingham Fountain. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Even the Quinciera party chose a few moments at Buckinham Fountain to cool off during great photo ops. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg.
One of my favorite garden flowers is the Peony. Traditional perennial choice because of it’s striking early summer beauty and aroma. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Mom, an avid gardener, discouraged me from adding Peony to my new garden (years ago) because their delicate blooms can easily be blown by storms and winds. I found they are excellent cut flowers when cut as soon as the bud shows it’s colors. Sometimes the delicate, short lived, is worth it’s brief visit. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Springtime is almost finished as is this Tulip’s bloom time. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg