Gulf Fritillary on Pride of Barbados

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on blooming Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

The large grey patches under the wing of the butterfly distinguish it as a Gulf Fritillary, even though it looks very similar to a Monarch. Mostly present in the Southeastern US, reaching as far west as Texas. It is a beautiful sight to see. Caesalpinia pulcherrima or Pride of Barbados with it's common name, attracts a lot of humming birds and butterflies. Other names for this stunning bloomer include Mexican or red Bird of Paradise, flamboyant-de-jardin. Origin is unknown, but it's pretty draught resistant, actually can grow wild. If the plant freezes in winter, try to cap it back as early as February, when it starts to get warmer.

This shot is also featured in my ClickASnap portfolio, and as a blog in Niume

Hesperaloe parviflora Study I

Hesperaloe parviflora, the latin name what is casually called Texas Red Yucca, even though it does not belong into the Yucca family, but into the Aloe family.


It's a very showy native (Texas and some parts of Mexico) succulent, in April/May/June (according to how temperatures are, where you live) it starts to have long tall spikes of these pinkish flowers. The further north you are the longer they bloom, and can actually bloom during the whole summer. In the more southern regions of the Lonestar state, the blooms are normally gone by June, developing into first green se.ed pods, who then harden, turn brown and start spreading small little black seeds.

The plant is xeric, which means very drought resistant and can even take some "very rare" snow, it will just bloom a little bit later after experiencing a really cold winter with freezing temperatures. Hummingbirds & butterflies love the plant.

This shot is also featured in my ClickASnap portfolio, and as a blog in Niume

Beauty In Decay

I have always looked upon decay as being just as wonderful and rich an expression of life as growth. Henry Miller

Couple of years ago, while taking care of yard, I ran across these decaying Canna leaves. The subtlety in color, texture and the state were in, blew my mind. As death is always portrayed as a heavy burden, look at the lightness of being and leaving. Nature taunting us with abstract art.

Some people may not agree with me and that's absolutely fine, but their is beauty in death and decay.