A bird and a bloom

[Solly Mack]

This is Bee Balm. It takes 2 years to bloom from initial planting of a young plant. Mine bloomed this year for the first time.





Bee Balm attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.


A hummingbird sitting on a fence after the rain - eyeing the Bee Balm.

[ADX]

1. Nice pics...

...kudos.

[Solly Mack]

4. Thank you, ADX

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Bee balm (Monarda) is a great native plant,

and your photos are beautiful. Once it gets established it spreads pretty well on its own - something to be aware of. I have a lot of it, which hasn't bloomed yet this season, but when it does, there will be native bees all over it. And it smells good!

[Solly Mack]

3. Oh, my bee balm went crazy and took out neighboring beds.

It's a good 3 feet high and covers 6 feet of ground. Smells lovely though.

It died back last winter and I will prune it this fall. I don't need it taking over completely.

Thanks!

[brer cat]

5. Beautiful.

Thanks for sharing, Solly. K&R

[Solly Mack]

6. Than ks, brer cat!

One in the sun

[Adsos Letter]

7. Nice!

Especially like the bird, but they are both great.

[Solly Mack]

8. Thank you, Adsos Letter.

Hope all is well with you and yours.

Thinking of you all always.

[Adsos Letter]

9. Thanks, Solly.

Things have stabilized, it seems. Eldest daughter is taking her boards in Chicago next week, so we'll be going along for babysitting duty.

I hope your recovery is progressing well, and that you are having less pain. I think about you often.

[Solly Mack]

10. Babysitting grand-kids can be fun! You get to warp them properly and then look all innocent about it.

I warped my nieces and nephews as much as possible when they were young.

Good luck to your daughter.

I'm doing OK. Thanks!