Beauties and the Bees

Many of us are aware that bees are declining in many parts of the world.

There are many different theories as to the reasons of the decline.

I do not intend to delve into the possibilities.

But am delighted that my sunflowers are infested with bees.

When I started gardening here 3 years ago,

I was shocked and frustrated to see only 5 grains in my first corn.

Seeing the sight of bees would mean there are more pollinators and a much better balance now.

Did you notice a grasshopper and a bee dining harmoniously together above?

Sunflowers are bright and cheerful and usually brings a smile to one's face.
Having bees on a sunflower would bring a double smile to mine.

I have not forgotten the tragedy in Japan despite my post which may appear to be happy.
There are plenty of grim news everyday and some days are just worst off than others.

A natural disaster can serve as a reminder that our lives are fragile and that we better treasure our present moments.
I'm treasuring the 'Beauties and the Bees' now, knowing that these will pass soon...just like any other happy or sorry states.


For more blooming posts during Garden Blogger's Bloom Day, please visit May Dreams Garden.

Since these beauties will soon pass, I've created a messy mosaic to preserve them.
Of course, I am not referring to Clifford.
His purpose is to show that some of those sunflowers are more than 8 feet tall.

Check out Dear Little Red House for some really beautiful mosaics.

Genius Loci

Gardening Gone Wild has this contest that requires the contestants to capture 'Genius Loci' of an atmosphere.

I know I am late for the contest.
Exactly ONE hour late.

Genius Loci is such a big word to me. 

I needed time to digest the meaning and even more time to capture the moment.

It would have been easier if I have not been so adamant about capturing photos only from my own garden.

Anyway, here it is; my wilting sunflower with magical sun rays as the back drop.

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I'm linking this to Fertilizer Friday/Flaunt your Flowers at Tootsie Time.
Thanks to Glenda for being the host.

Colours

Mix Colours

Yellowish

Orangish

Reddish

Pinkish

Whitish

To view beautiful flowers all over the world today, visit May Dreams Gardens for the links to Garden Bloggers's Day - Feb 2011.

Gratitude

These are today's blooms of Evening Sunflowers.

The seeds were sent to me in December 2010 by Diana of Kebun Malay-Kadazan girls, all the way from Australia.

I am writing to show my appreciation on the effort she took to send me the seeds.

They sure don't look like seeds anymore.

Some of them have grown to be 2m tall, just like what I was told by Diana.

There are many blooms coming up and they are beautifying my garden during this Chinese New Year.

I am thankful that Diana has chosen me as one of her seed giveaway recipients.

I am thankful that the weather here is suitable for Evening Sunflowers.

I am thankful that I have enough space to grow them.

I am thankful that they are blooming during this period of time.

I am thankful that there are praying mantises protecting the flowers.

The praying mantis is thankful that there are ample of food here.

What are you thankful for today?

I must add that I'm thankful for Ann's post today about Let the Sun Flower which features even more delightful sunflower blooms at The Garden Spot.

I'm linking this post to Fertilizer Friday at Tootsie Time.

Thanks to Tootsie for the encouragement to flaunt our flowers.