Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Captivating Summer Colors

While driving around our neighborhood, I can't help but notice the many stunning, colorful gardens in our area. Recently, camera in hand, I set out on foot to take a closer look at these bountiful flower beds that brighten up our streets. Always aware of privacy, I made sure never to step foot on anyone's property, unless invited. All but two photos were taken standing on the sidewalk or street.

A magnificent Monarch samples beautiful yellow garden flowers


This breathtaking blue beauty is a Sea Holly (identification thanks to Debbie Miller)


A Silver-spotted Skipper peeks under a golden petal


The exquisite beauty of a Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly


This photo of a Red Admiral Butterfly is very special ~ While walking around with my camera, a smiling young girl and her friendly mother inquired as to what I was photographing ~ They graciously invited me into their lovely garden to photograph whatever I pleased ~ The kindness of strangers ~


A slightly tattered Great Spangled Fritillary and busy bee gather nourishment from pretty Purple Coneflowers


I was struck by the deep Persian red Japanese Maple leaves against clear Cerulean blue skies


A lovely Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly explores one of many stunning garden flowers


The vibrant center of a Purple Coneflower appeals to a hungry Red Admiral Butterfly ~ This photograph was also taken in the wondrous garden belonging to the kind neighbors

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Spectacular Images Julie.

Unknown said...

All of them are absolutely gorgeous!! Don't you love people letting you come and go in their yards/gardens?? It's fantastic!
Keep up the wonderful work, Julie!

Looks like today is a silver spotted skipper day! :)

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

Lovely walk through the neighborhood, so many beautiful views. I really like the way the Silver Spotted Skipper is peeking through the golden yellow petals. I think your blue beauty is a native Illinois prairie plant called Sea Holly. I love that plant too. Saw it in someones garden, had to have it in mine. You captured it beautifully, so airy.

Anonymous said...

Stunning images!! The blue flower looks to me like scottish thistle...but I'm not 100% sure.

Dan Huber said...

wonderful pictures

dan

Whimbrel Nature said...

Lovely post Julie!

Native Gardener said...

Wonderful photos, Julie. My favorite is of the Great Spangled Fritillary on coneflower. I am familiar with chicago and wondered what area these were taken in.