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Sunday, March 8, 2009

The Call of the Coleus


Last year I planted three varieties of coleus. Although all
three have flourished, the variety pictured above is drawing
a great deal of wildlife. Ever since the blooms appeared
about a month ago, the insects have been coming. During the
day, the blooms are abuzz with activity. There are so many
kinds of bees. And I've been trying to photograph a blue bee
with black stripes...haven't succeeded so far.




If the bugs come, can the lizards be far behind? This one loves
to hang out here. Yesterday, I saw it chomping heartily on a
winged morsel.

And he's not the only one! Close by, on the wall, his cousin
lies in wait too. This one has beautiful markings near the
eyes, and on the neck.

Predator and prey. I wonder if he can make a meal of that
ferocious-looking bee...

When I planted the coleus, I never imagined that I would be
so richly rewarded. The humming moth was photographed here
too. But to capture a lizard eyeing at me or the bees, was
surely, the last thing on my mind!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Truly amazing photos Kanak. I don't have success with coleus here in Georgia's dry heat. Wishing you a good day.

tina said...

The coleus is very happy in your garden. I hope to plant some in mine soon. I adore that lizard.

Entangled said...

Coleus is a favorite around here too. We see hummingbirds visiting the flowers throughout the summer - seems there is plenty of nectar to attract so many creatures.

The butterfly in the third pictures looks like the Common Buckeye we have here. I wonder if it's a relative?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junonia_coenia

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

Amazing garden you have Kanak, you have a fantastic flora as well as fauna. I love it, thank you for sharing! Tyra

Unknown said...

Mildred, thanks. Have a lovely Sunday!

Tina, it'll do really well in your garden. Glad...about the lizard.

Entangled, the butterfly is the Lemon Pansy/Junonia lemonias. Fairly common here. I also have the Graey Pansy as well as the Peacock Pansy visiting.

Tyra, thanks. It wasn't as many as this before. Glad you liked the pics.

Anonymous said...

I love the colorful foliage of Coleus. They have so many beautiful specimens now. But I always forget how much the wildlife enjoy the purplish blooms too. :)

Susie said...

Isn't it fun just trying to photograph those little guys?!?!

In the last couple of days or so I have seen two lizards playing around a couple of my pots. I guess I'll be getting my camera ready for those guys.

Anonymous said...

It looks like you've planted yourself amidst the coleuses to get those wonderful shots of all (but one!) of the visitors:)) Good luck, and soon, with the blue bee with the black stripes!
Shailaja

Anonymous said...

Very cute! I love that little frill on his head. He does have a beady eye, all the better to see you with, my dear (moth)! Hope he minds his tail if you have any more paint projects planned. :)

Carla said...

I plant these every year, but pinch off the blooms to get more leaf action, these year I may have to let some go! The lizards blend perfectly-great shot!

Unknown said...

Racquel, the variegation on the leaves will come back now. In summer the leaves have a pink 'heart'! About the wildlife, I didn't expect so many!

Susie, I was very excited to see these little guys after a long gap. I'd love to see yours too. It's great to suddenly notice them when you least expect!

Shailaja, Lol! I had to! Still trying hard to get the bee. Thanks.

Karen, ah the paint....! Not now, the tail is safe, for the time being:)

Carla, I'll do that this year--pinching back the leaves, I mean. In summer the leaves will look brighter. They actually have pink in the middle.

Linda Lunda said...

Ohh the lizzards are so pretty.... AND the flower/plants to!
On Monday... we are flying ower you!!!
Linda

Unknown said...

Linda, thanks. I hope you have a great stay in Thailand. Would love to see your pics later...