Blooms
The summer is winding down and temperatures have dropped slightly, offering a automnal air.
Activity has not decreased yet in the garden, although I find more and more individuals which seem to be on their last leg.
There were three stages for pollinators and those who hunt them.
Early on, the milkweed. Then we had a gap of a few weeks and activity decreased notably. Then the mint bloomed which drew dozens and dozens of wasps, bees, flies and butterflies (Thai basil also seems to be quite attractive to bees). The mint has been a hub of frantic activity. A bloom of onion flowers is now the focus; the mint is still going but declining.
Because we did not have big colorful flowers until mid July, we did not see a lot of big butterflies (we do have a very fragrant bush of white flowers that blooms early and draws them). We now have some zinnias which attract them.
I am thinking of planting more native species next year and ways to fill the gaps in between blooms. It also appears insects like a bit clump, a sizable area of bloom that makes it worth their while.