The influence of time

Pagoda Dogwood after the rain, showing signs of the coming of autumn.

"Gardeners celebrate the influence of time. If we have had a late cold spring followed by a desiccating drought, autumn may be the most soft and golden for years; one poor season will sooner or later be compensated for by another." - Susan Hill and Rory Stuart, Reflections from a Garden, 1995

It has been a hot, dry summer.  I look forward to a soft and golden autumn.

Butterflies and the pagoda

I gathered with my siblings this weekend at the family home on Lake Norman.  A rainy morning cleared to blue skies and a cool breeze in the afternoon. While walking around the yard, I noticed a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly - the flrst I've seen this season - so I followed it with my camera. 

The swallowtail and a silver-spotted skipper were both attracted to the flowers of this Pagoda Dogwood.

This small tree had been hiding for years in a tangle of other shrubs, vines, and larger trees until my brother uncovered it.   I think I'm going to add it to my garden wish list.