The day started early. The girls had decided that they really, really wanted to camp in the garden, last night. So they did and inevitably woke early. We saw the bees arrive for breakfast.
I suspect that this bee had not encountered water irises before, because it took a wrong turning and headed for the centre of the flower.
It then backtracked and worked its away around the flower. I watched it visit the rest of the irises and it did not make the same mistake again.
The second sitting arrives. This bee was more experienced as it went straight for the pollen.
AJ found a lacewing. First one we have found this year. Unfortunately this one had a slightly crumpled wing, so it was having difficulty flying. The girls spent time studying the lacewing and were really pleased to hear it was a friend to the garden. Both the adults and the larvae eat aphids like they are going out of fashion.
We spotted a blue damselfly as well. This inspired the children to paint dragonflies. They love the idea that dragonflies eat the little bitey flies that follow us around. They hoped a picture or two would draw them to our garden. So out came the watercolours.
They are going to outline them with a thin pen tomorrow. The children all love painting outside. There is nothing like sitting on the grass and painting something from nature.
And what was I doing, apart from watching bees on irises, which was a nice start to the day…
…well, sipping a cup of coffee, starting another square (eight spikes this time) and wondering what happened to my lie in.
Your photos are so beautiful, and the nature find’s amazing! You guys should publish a nature book for kids. (And adults too!)
Thanks, Jodi, for your kind comments. Its not just my children who are intrigued by nature. In fact, sometimes they move on to the next thing and leave me still watching.
The iris pictures are beautiful, as are the children’s paintings. I like the colours you are using for your square and thanks for the email.
I still haven’t found the pattern I want to use for the crochet blanket. I think I’m going to have a lot of samples for the children to aquire.
beautiful pictures!!! I’m inspired to do some painting in the garden now!!!
Maureen
Much easier to clear up afterwards. I quite like the grass with blue flecks of paint on it. It is definitely more relaxed painting outside.
Heaven!!
I agee. Probably would have missed it all if I had taken the lie in.