As if on a faulty cue, when summer wanes and signs of autumn are all around, the Aster blooms and by its presence eases us out of the warm days of summer and gives us one last bit of cheer as we begin to bundle up for the cold.
For the bees, this final presentation of flower, takes all their attention. In cold-induced dopey fashion they huddle on its blossoms, and moving slowly in the chilly winds they extract the last bit of life from their season.
Years ago in my formal garden, I grew Aster and loved its photographic quality against the pale yellow of our house.
These shots against the blue of the sky are equally as exiting to me.
(For maximum enjoyment, click on these photos to view in an enlarged version. Use your arrow key to return to the post.)
SilverLining 