Gossamer Tapestry

Reflections on conservation, butterflies, and ecology in the nation's heartland

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Indian Summer Afternoon

We had a fairly hard freeze the night before last. The vegetable garden is now toast. Today was a beautiful warm and sunny day. There were late autumn flowers in my yard.


Autumn crocus


Witch Hazel

Leon and I went out to the Fen this afternoon. I was startled to see a very late butterfly. The buckeyes really did have quite a year this summer. This one looks remarkably fresh. I suspect that this will be my last Illinois butterfly photo of 2010.


Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

Labels: ,

7 Comments:

At 01:09, Blogger wcs said...

We have some saffron crocus that are up and may bloom soon. It's their first year, so I'm not sure about the bloom.

 
At 03:02, Anonymous Pablo said...

I was out at by cabin at Roundrock all day on the 30th. I started out wearing my jacket and ended up in a tee shirt. Mild day. Much appreciated this late in the season.

 
At 17:05, Blogger Ur-spo said...

winter is almost here ! I am excited.

 
At 15:37, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It may be the last for the season, but it's a gorgeous one.

 
At 17:42, Blogger Homer said...

And it is the 80s here in Tucson

 
At 06:30, Blogger Kathie Brown said...

There is frost on the pumpkin here this morning but the birds are already up and eating! Haven't seen any butterflies lately but I did see a delicate little flower at the bog yesterday. I have never heard of an autumn crocus. It looks so sweet and pretty!

 
At 08:05, Blogger Doug Taron said...

Walt- I would love to grow saffron. Alas, we are one hardiness zone too cold for it.

Pablo- Saturday was like that here. It was below freezing when we got out to the Fen at around 9, and very comfortable by lunch time.

Spo- between the time that I posted this and now, we have had a bit of sleet.

lilliannattel- Thanks. My main complaint about autumn crocus is that they are far less prolific in their blooms than their spring relatives.

Homer- I'll bet you still have a fair number of butterflies out. I'll be in Palm Springs next week, so I'm looking forward to a return to a last taste of summer before real winter sets in.

Kathie- they should grow in New England. I like having crocus at the end of the season as well as the beginning- but see my comment to lilliannattel above.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home