My cleome patch is both my best and worst flower bed ever. I love the way it looks when the flowers are tall and in full bloom. But I hate waiting all year for that couple of months of beauty. The rest of the year, it is a patch of dirt. Right in front of the house. I should plant something shrubby and more year round there, but I just love those two months of beauty so much, that I never do.
Plus they attract hummingbird moths. These little pretties are such fun to watch. The first time I saw one, I was sure it was really a hummer. They come out after dark and their wings are in constant motion just like the bird it is named after.
When I saw that I could get inches away from it and not scare it off, I realized it was a bug, not a bird.
Aren't they pretty?
EDIT- This post was written ahead of time, before I left on my trip. I'll have new posts all week while I am away, but might not get to answer all comments or emails, but I will be reading and enjoying them on my Ipad. Thanks for coming by! I hope to add some "Live" posts from the road too.
I've never heard of "hummingbird moths". What beautiful images! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | October 18, 2011 at 05:07 AM
I remember the first time I saw one of these moths. I had no idea what it was! they are really interesting.
Posted by: Janet Ghio | October 18, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Arent they intriguing?
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | October 18, 2011 at 09:38 AM
I have never heard of these either! How amazing. Looking forward to seeing your next posts - have so enjoyed seeing all of your preparations!
Posted by: San | October 18, 2011 at 10:09 AM
I just saw my first one last month! There was a pair on my red salvia greggi. I was convinced it was a hummer too until I noticed the antennae. LOL I got a couple of crappy pics but nothing like your's.
So wish I could have joined you in fairyland! *sigh* But of course the Wicked Tea was lots of fun too.
Posted by: Cami | October 18, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Never have heard of this in all my 58 years. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gloria | October 18, 2011 at 03:30 PM
My mom and dad have tons of these in their yard in La Cygne. My daughter loves to watch them at dusk. I have never had any luck in the suburbs with them but they are wonderful to watch...great shots of them I am sure sugarwings loves them....Renee
Posted by: Renee | October 18, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Yes, dusk is when they come out, and the light is bad, so at first I thought it was a bird. They are a good imitation till you get closer
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | October 18, 2011 at 11:41 PM
My exhusband's grandmother had these planted all along her drive...she called them cat's whiskers! I loved them and would always collect the seed to plant them...love them!
Posted by: sandra | October 19, 2011 at 01:43 AM
I have those moths, too. They are very interesting.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | October 19, 2011 at 03:12 AM
I have never seen these before, I am going to check to see if we even get them in Victoria, BC. Your photo's are stunning, thanks Karla, Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn McIldoon | October 19, 2011 at 03:52 AM
What a gorgeous creature. Great photographs as well.
Posted by: Lululiz | October 19, 2011 at 10:27 AM
That would be a hard decision. Is there any way you can move the bushes somewhere else you can enjoy them so your front planter can have the year-round bushes you'd prefer at the front? Or would the plants not survive the replanting?
Posted by: Soarenth | October 20, 2011 at 08:33 PM
I've never seen one! How interesting!
Posted by: Laurie | October 23, 2011 at 06:26 PM