It started with a Rose bud.
I've never noticed this particular plant blooming in late autumn! It's not a continuous-flowering Rose, and I don't know the cultivar. It was here when we moved in long ago and not marked. We've only had patchy frost to-date, but I doubt this particular bud will bloom before the first freeze (likely tonight). Maybe I'll rescue it...
Then other tiny surprises caught my eye. None of these things are particularly amazing, but they're things I haven't noticed before in this garden or at this time of year.
For example, I've never noticed this type of wasp. Its unique red abdomen caught my eye, and with some research, I believe it's a solitary wasp species now being used to fight emerald ash borer in these parts. If this is the correct ID, it's a beautiful, nonstinging insect, native to the area.
Next, I noticed a couple of tiny, ripe Blueberries (Vaccinium cultivar). Not enough for a meal, but fun to find. I haven't seen Blueberries in late autumn here before, partly because most of them were eaten earlier, and partly because this is a new plant that was a gift from friends. :)
For example, I've never noticed this type of wasp. Its unique red abdomen caught my eye, and with some research, I believe it's a solitary wasp species now being used to fight emerald ash borer in these parts. If this is the correct ID, it's a beautiful, nonstinging insect, native to the area.
Next, I noticed a couple of tiny, ripe Blueberries (Vaccinium cultivar). Not enough for a meal, but fun to find. I haven't seen Blueberries in late autumn here before, partly because most of them were eaten earlier, and partly because this is a new plant that was a gift from friends. :)
This next observation was weird. We have a patch of low-growing dwarf Forsythias (unknown cultivar), also here when we moved in. But I've never noticed them blooming this late in the season (they generally bloom in early spring). I guess they were fooled by some late-summer cool snaps, followed by unusually warm weather in September and October.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) has become one of my favorite native woodland ground covers. It is prevalent here, and I've transplanted a few patches and encouraged their growth. But I've never noticed this lightened, attractive edging on the foliage before. Perhaps it's happened and I simply didn't notice it? Only a few of the plants back in the woodland show this pattern.
Finally, here's a cute little nest, nestled among climbing vines at the top of the arbor. I think it's a wren's nest because of its tiny size, shape, and structure. I first noticed it earlier in the summer, but I've never seen a nest in this particular spot before. It seems especially precious surrounded by the intermingling autumn Oak and Rose foliage. I wonder if the wrens will return to use it again next year?
I'm linking in with "Six on Saturday" over at Garden Ruminations. Head on over to check out observations from other gardeners around the world!
Sometimes the little things are very interesting, and you have to keep an eye out for them! Another great idea this week, and the photo of the wasp is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteHi Fred: Yes, so true about the little things. :) They are so fascinating, but they require time and investigation. I found the wasp a fascinating creature, for sure.
DeleteGreat photo of the tiny wasp & I love the shape of the Wild Ginger leaves.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, that wasp was an interesting, beautiful creature. The Wild Ginger is a great plant, and it usually dies back to the ground during winter. I'm thinking maybe the edges on this particular patch were damaged by a light frost, which gave it an interesting "framed" appearance.
DeleteGreat captures, Bath! When garden activity slows down in autumn it may give us better opportunities to focus on all those little things we miss during the busy spring and summer months.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris. That's a great point! There's so much to do when everything is in full swing during the growing season. I need to remind myself to look for these little things in spring in summer, too. :)
DeleteI hope you can rescue the little bud; maybe it'll will unfurl on a south-facing window sill. It's remarkable what you notice in nature, when you just pay attention. I think we gardeners get it, I wish more folks would! Nice post, Beth. Tina
ReplyDeleteHi Tina: I clipped the Rose bud and placed it in a tiny vase. :) I think you're right: Gardeners are more attuned to the little miracles around us all the time. Thanks.
DeleteIt would be excellent if your rose bud could take that extra step and flower. I hope you can update us next week! A non-stinging wasp sounds like a welcome visitor to any garden. I googled and it appears we have several species here in Scotland, and although some can sting they are not aggressive. I'll have to watch out for them next year. Your friends are so thoughtful, how lovely to get a gift of a blueberry bush.
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