Friday, November 17, 2017

Mum's the Word


We used these mums as decorations at the 40th wedding anniversary party we threw for my in-laws. There had been some debate about waiting until their 50th anniversary, but we were very glad we hadn't delayed when my father-in-law died the next year. Looking back at that party is poignant, but filled with good memories (but I digress). I can't throw out plants, so I brought some of the mums home and planted them. These have been growing and spreading in my front flowerbeds for about 20 years, and they are always a delight when they bloom.


They don't bloom until late October-early November, so they seem to serve as a great source of pollen for many bees and a stopping point for other insects when there aren't many other flowers around.





The best one of all was this visitor.




He visited on November 6, very late for monarchs to be in this area, but seemed glad to have found a place to rest and warm his wings. (You can tell it's a male from the black spots on his hind wings.) He's also far away from the usual monarch flyway in NJ, so I do hope rest and some pollen helped him find his way to Mexico.

17 comments:

  1. That's a great story, I love plants that have a history and connection to our lives. I'm impressed with your butterfly photos - every time I've tried to photograph one he has taken off on me!

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  2. He is quite handsome! And how lovely that you have those flowers and they are still doing well.

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  3. What a beautiful memory you planted! And I'm sure your late fall visitors very much appreciated a tasty meal . . . (We saw quite a few late Monarchs this year - although none as late as your November guest. I think they're as confused about the weather this year as we are.) XO

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  4. Your mums are beautiful, especially with the memories they hold. I've seen a few Monarchs this year, but not until late October.

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  5. How nice to have flowers late in the year, especially when they help late flying guests. I hope your friend safely finds his way to Mexico. It seems the weather is a little off this year everywhere. It's mid-November and we've had no snow, little rain (today!) and the temperatures still hover near 60.

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  6. Beautiful Mums! So nice that you brought some home and planted them. Great butterfly pics too! Hope he has found his way southward.

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  7. Wow! What a wonderful treat for you each year. And I hope that guy made it to Mexico too. I wonder what he did to tick off his traveling companions? :-)

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  8. Those mums are lovely, and it's a beautiful memory they bring with them each year. I love all the bee/bug photos! I didn't know that the spots indicated "male." I learned something today!! Have a great weekend (and, also, see you tomorrow).

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  9. How perfect that those mums have both a lovely history and a very important present. And, thank you for the tips on monarch sexing! I had no idea!

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  10. Plants do connect us to so much that is precious, memories, other life forms, the seasons, so much. I have plants from lots of people in my yard, and I think of them every time I see the plant bloom. My camellias are blooming now. Your mums have a wonderful history, and I know it is delightful to see them every year. Happy Fall, Bonny!

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    1. I've often thought that if/when we ever sell this house, I would have to dig up a clump of these mums and my husband's grandmother's clematis. I'd love to take the only live Christmas tree we had that survived, but it's probably 20 ft. tall now and just a bit too large. I bet your camellias are just lovely!

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  11. beautiful flowers and I love that there is a distinct memory with them. Ours bloom but some haven't I am suspecting they were choked out by some pesky lemon balm (so invasive!).

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  12. Such beautiful mums and now nice they remind you of a family celebration. The photos of the monarch are stunning. The earth keeps churning along in spite of us and that is a comforting thought.

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  13. what a fantastic and beautiful memory in the mums!

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  14. twenty years?! wow!! I love that you get fresh blooms in November (and even better that you've attracted such wonderful visitors!)

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