07-JUN-2018
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
This colourful member of the Mustard family is another European plant considered invasive, but while it has been around the FWG for decades it never seems to spread all that much. Besides, bees seem to like it so it has some uses I guess!
07-JUN-2018
Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
Beautiful native iris which can be abundant in some areas. I saw a damp field full of these near Larose Forest.
07-JUN-2018
The amphibian pond
Both cattails and flowering rush are growing in the pond, the latter not as welcome as it is an invasive, but all the vegetation also helps provide cover for birds and amphibians, and gives some shade.
07-JUN-2018
Common whitetail (Plathemis lydia)
Not many dragonflies around, but there were several of this species, a few dot-tailed whitefaces, a few damselflies.
07-JUN-2018
White admiral butterfly (Limenitis arthemis)
As there were few dragonflies, butterflies were also scarce. Perhaps it was just the day as it was only sunny occasionally. However, I did see two of these butterflies, a few clouded sulphurs and a couple of cabbage whites. Something largish and orange flew past the pond, but i saw it fleetingly and out of the corner of my eye. Could have been a monarch, a few are being reported, or it might have been a viceroy.
07-JUN-2018
Bumble bee on comfrey
Bumble bees nectar on comfrey, as do honey bees and many others.
06-JUNE-2018
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Another non-native species, also a member of the Borage family like the hound's tongue posted earlier. Like that plant, this one is also considered an invasive species. It has certainly spread at the FWG far more than the hound's tongue, but it does attract pollinators (see previous image).
07-JUN-2018
Cobweb spider (Theridula emertoni)
These spiders are minute, but when seen up close not only colourful but interestingly shaped. They can also be seen with a deep red colour.
07-JUN-2018
Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
This non-native plant, a member of the Borage family, grows in small numbers at the FWG. It is considered to be an invasive species in many areas, but at the garden it seems to behave itself, with only a few stands here and there. In the past, we've noticed the caterpillars of the striking Haploa moths (a native species) feeding on hound's tongue.
07-JUN-2018
Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
Because the flowers droop (see previous photo), one doesn't often see how pretty and brightly coloured they are until looking underneath.
07-JUN-2018
Butterfly meadow lupines
The lupines have naturalized over the years, spreading through the butterfly meadow. Bees in particular like these pretty plants.
07-JUN-2018
Lupine
The lupines at FWG are not native species, but the garden variety. Nonetheless, they attract numerous bees.