Although the flower gardens have reached their peaks and are now in a steady decline, the beauty can still be found. The zinnia beds outdid themselves this summer and are still clinging to life even though they are long and lanky. Pruning has gone the wayside. For the rest of their days, I am leaving them to grow as they please which means they are spilling out of the gardens over the bench. A few days ago, the mower caught some and really "pruned" them. I just do not have the heart to yank them from the ground while they are still blooming. Those blooms are feeding a lot of late butterflies.
Speaking of butterflies, among all of the swallowtails and skippers was a lovely, little butterfly. This is the first time I have come across one of these in the gardens so I am pretty excited! I believe this adorable critter is a Checkerspot! (Imagine that...checkerspot when it is checkered!) The small butterfly stayed around all day feeding mainly on the pink zinnias. Apparently, it has an affinity for pink!
With all of the lovely butterflies flitting around the zinnias, it would be a shame to rip out the plants. Although the gardens look a bit shabby, they shall remain until the fall flowers begin to bloom.
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