Lotus, Lilies and Butterflies

Lotus ( Nelumbo nucifera ‘East Lake Pink’) in the Idea Garden

The Idea Garden by the greenhouses show the most seasonal shift of all Blithewold’s gardens, and their look and mood can change completely as different flowers come into bloom.  This week the sweet pea vines on the bamboo arches were taken down and in their place annual vines were planted to bloom with the summer heat.  In fact, the current tropical humidity has helped shift the gardens from sweet peas to exotic lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). In May, we planted the lotus rhizomes in containers filled with water and placed them around our pump house framed by flowering passion vines (Passiflora sp.) along with a fragrant frangipani (Plumeria obtusa). This classic tropical combination helps us to forget that our lovely sweet peas are gone. Lotus flowers are amazing, opening with the sun and closing by sundown.

Turk’s cap lilies ( Lilium superbum) on the woodland path

In contrast, as we walk down to the bay we see, tucked along a woodland path, a stand of Turk’s cap lilies (Lilium superbum) that have bloomed each July for decades. This space is a total shift from the Idea Garden, with its shady naturalized woodland that feels cool and soothing. It opens out into a spectacular view of the bay, boats and Poppasquash Point beyond.

Black Swallowtail on a button bush flower (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

On my walk I saw a black swallowtail butterfly feeding intently on the button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), oblivious to my delighted eyes. Lotus, lilies and butterflies make for a fascinating July walk.

Featured Image:

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Perry’s Giant Sunburst’) in the center pond on the Idea Garden