A BUSY ANT

These photos were taken in July when I was looking around a hotel garden.  I noticed an ant on one of the plants.  These photos were taken with my cell phone (beginning and the last)  The next two photos are cropped versions of the top photo.

The following is not too sharp but I was fascinated with the hair growth on this ant.  It never having crossed my mind before that ants actually had hair!  Blogging can send you in some very interesting directions, and if you are interested in the life cycle of an ant, you can click here. 

This was the plant it was enjoying.  It is called Painted Nettle. If you click on the link it will show you photos of its blooms.  Very pretty!  

"I think everybody should study ants.  They have an amazing four-part philosophy.  Never give up, look ahead, stay positive and do all you can."

~Jim Rohn~

Thanks for looking and enjoy your day.

A FAVORITE FLOWER

The common name for this pretty flower is the Obedient Plant.  Its scientific name is Physostegia virginia 'Vivid' and is part of the mint family.

This flower has always been one of my favorites, ever since I first saw it at Meadowlark Gardens.  It was in their native plants area, just like this one which I discovered at Green Spring Gardens.

It is called the Obedient Plant because each one can be curved in any direction, so it is great for flower arrangements when you need a little tweaking.

A little visitor can be seen in this cropped version.  It also attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bumble bees, bees and sphinx moths, and other pollinators and beneficial insects.  It is also seldom eaten by deer or small mammals.

More can be learned here.