Bugleweed Bumble Bee
A bumble bee was taking advantage of some bugleweed flowers.
Ajuga Reptans ‘Caitlin’s Giant
I tried out this variety last year. It wintered over nicely and is already sending out runners. I’m going to get more. It can be invasive but isn’t that what you want when planting a ground cover? Besides, bugleweed is shallow rooted and easy enough to control. That is unless you wait until it’s established in the lawn and too late.
Here’s the bumble I promised
…and now I’ll leave you with some fungus.
Dryad Saddle – Polyporus squamosus
AKA – Pheasant’s-back Polypore.
This mushroom grows from deciduous wood, both living and dead. In my experience – mostly dead. It is edible but older specimens are supposedly too tough to eat. Another field guide states the tender edges of the caps can be pickled, sauteed or fried. I prefer mine photographed.
They weren’t kidding when they named it Polyporus.
Dryad Saddles are a reminder to start looking for Morels. Lilacs beginning to bloom + Dryad Saddles = Morel Season. I won’t eat those either but have friends that will.
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May 5th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Cool I have never seen one of those dryad saddles(-:
May 5th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
It is always been so difficult for me to capture a macro of a bumble bee. But you have done a great job. Wonderful pics.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
The fungus is spiffy, but the bee has my heart. They make me so utterly happy to see them around, it’s crazy! I sat in soggy ground by the pond this afternoon, watching a handful of bumbles in the wild willow flowers, then squished back up to the garden to watch a couple feasting in the pulmonaria. Seeing a lot of wild bees around makes me feel like we’re going to make it.
May 6th, 2010 at 5:44 am
I always like seeing bee closeups. And that last picture of the Dryad Saddles is impressive. I can see from the other photo why they’re called Dryad Saddles. They look like old tractor seats.
May 6th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Hey thanks for the comment on the blog! Wonderful bee photo. I may well have to take you up on your offer! .. and great fungus!