It's That Chime Again ~ Blossoms and Butterflies In The May Garden

Late Viburnums, Wisteria and Korean Lilacs take center stage.

Wisteria chimes dangle their tempting panicles of blooms.
If we could hear the flowers sing, I feel sure Wisteria would sound similar to a glass harp. 

The dwarf lilacs are now having their show and pollinators are enjoying their bounty of nectar. 

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Papillo glaucus, sipping 'Fairytale' dwarf lilac. 

Early florescence above ~ today below.

American Lady (American Painted Lady) Vanessa virginiensis, - above and below - ecstatic for the elixir of 'Miss Kim' lilac. I usually do not see these migrating beauties until later in the summer. 

'Miss Kim' Lilac in the mist with a Magnolia (right) that never quits blooming. 

Early Lilacs and Viburnums have faded, while the later to bloom of both are coming into their own along with the Hawthorn trees in the distance. Viburnum plicatum in Upper South Garden is full blown right now. 

Viburnum plicatum fully opening in the light.

Another Doublefile Viburnum in North Garden looking over towards 'Fairytale' lilac . . . just beginning to bloom.

Now the Viburnum is wholly unfurled ~ 'Fairytale' lilac in background.

Lacey blooms creating lovely background for tree peony.

Later these Doublefile Viburnums will bear fruit that the birds go crazy for.
Here are a couple of old bluebird and tree swallow houses. I prefer this design to our new ones and will have them copied. Many years of fledgelings flew out into the world from these nest boxes.

Viburnum sargentii 'Onondaga' early stage of blooming . . .  before climbing hydrangea on Shag Bark Hickory in Upper South Garden.

Today looking over towards Middle Meadow Garden.

When the flowers first open they are an off-white color . . .

becoming more white with age.

I love and revere all the many trees and plants here at Flower Hill Farm . . . but OH, when wildlife call the gardens, fields and forest home I get very excited to discover who lives so nearby and REALLY happy to make new acquaintances. This TINY American Copper Lycaena phlaeas americana, looks very fresh and would sit still . . .  in the south field . . . long enough for me to capture a few portraits. What a precious vibrant butterfly!! 

I tend to avoid being in the gardens during the heat of the day, but that is exactly the best time to see butterflies, so, instead of going out with my garden spade and clippers in those hours . . .  I take my camera.