Tagged With: Bergamot

Bergamot

Bergamot

Bergamot

You have to admit, Monarda didyma (bergamot or scarlet beebalm) has one of the coolest flower structures around.

Categories: Flowers and Plants | Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Bergamot

Monarda, Asclepias, and a Bombus

Monarda didyma, Asclepias tuberosa, and Bombus impatiens

Monarda didyma, Asclepias tuberosa, and Bombus impatiens

Along our back fence, the garden has really gotten out of control. With the work we’ve been doing on our mom’s houses, we haven’t really had time to give it half the attention it needs and deserves. Consequently, it’s got goldenrod, poke weed, and thistles growing in abundance. Three of our planted perennials are doing quite well, however, including the bee balm (Monarda didyma, also known as Oswego tea or bergamot) and the butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) shown here. The other, not yet in bloom, is obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana). All three are native to the area and extremely tough. The bees love them and I followed this common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) for a while as he moved from flower to flower.

Categories: Creatures, Flowers and Plants | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Monarda, Asclepias, and a Bombus