early sunflower

It feels early but this sunflower apparently decided it is time to bloom.

a butterfly visit

Yesterday was a butterfly day.

My sister and I headed to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield, MA to spend some time with the wonderful winged creatures.

dahlia delight

The first dahlias of the season are starting to appear in local gardens.

approaching low tide

The approaching low tide convinced me it was a good time for a walk on the beach.

While the wildlife refuge beach is closed for the piping plover nesting season it is still possible to walk the beach on the north and of Plum Island. A reasonable temperature (ahead of the predicted heat wave), a constant breeze, and the outgoing tide combined to create wonderful walking conditions.

pink

Peonies in pink create a welcome splash of color.

garden rabbit

As I walked through a garden this evening I watched rabbits enjoying the grass, eating, running.

I was happy that this one posed for me; I guess I stopped walking far enough from him that he didn't feel the need to run.

curves & color

Bearded iris in the garden continue to show both curved petals and amazing color.

lifting fog

While today's predicted rain didn't appear, fog floated over the coast.

My mid-tide walk on the north end of Plum Island was enhanced by the moving fog.

pale pink

It's rhododendron season at Maudslay State Park.

I really like these flowers in pale pink.