Last weekend was the quintessential Fall weekend. Perfect temperatures in the 70’s, low humidity, and crystal clear blue skies define autumn in Colorado. The kind of weekend that is not only most welcome following a few days of misty rain with chilly temps, but the kind that beg you to stroll through gardens and enjoy the outdoors. And this weekend was extra special, as there were a gazillion tourists out enjoying it and who weren’t congesting the highways. Often confused with Monarch butterflies, the Painted Lady butterflies have been so numerous this year as they move south toward their warmer winter habitats but first they will gorge on tasty local offerings. They even have been spotted on weather radar. See stories here and here.
What’s not to love about this time of year? The temperatures are usually mild and there is a special glow of light that turns everything golden and gorgeous highlighted by exquisite blues/purples contrasting against typical autumn colors. Many of the summer flowers have for the most part, given up center stage to their autumnal cousins although the annual Zinnias are holding out till the first frost. Hardy Mum, Aster, Black-eyed Susan and my personal favorite, Plumbago are all demanding the spotlight.
As I walked through the garden, the Painted Ladies explode upward, as they flit around in annoyance that their nectar banquet was interrupted. Quietly kneeling and holding perfectly still, I patiently wait for them to return and resume the meal. I am soon rewarded.
Happy Flower Friday. Tomorrow is Sam’s 12th bark day so we hope you will swing by. There will be special treats for His Knuckleheaded-ness so let’s get this pawty started. But first, let’s entertain our good friend, Friday wine. Cheers!
Live, love, bark! ❤︎
How beautiful… I feel fascinated when it comes to butterflies. I´ve have heard they often live a few days after the original caterpillar turns into a butterfly, which makes me sad, but also even more appreciative of their beauty… Lovely post…. Sending hugs! 😀
Beautiful photos!! Love the purple aster!
I hope Sam enjoyed his special day yesterday and shared at least some of the treats with his little Ninja sister!!
Wow stunning photos.
Ah, wonderful post…Fall on the front range! Enjoy the weather, your garden, and those beautiful butterflies!
Oh wow! That’s a LOT of butterflies. We’ll be back for the birthday for sure! xoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake
🦋 😄
Cheers! We have just a small group of purple asters, but the large marigolds are just coming into their prime now! They were slow to get going, but I think they know when their orange and yellow colors fit in best.
I love how the butterflies are showing up on the radar, and I had just seen that on the news before reading this!
We don’t see many butterflies here for some reason but we do get some big moths.
Have a wonderful birthday Sam!
hugs
Hazel & Mabel
Maybe the altitude is too high?
Wow…what beautiful butterflies. I am always amazed by their tried and true migration patterns!
Happy Early Birthday, Sam!
xoxo,
Jakey, Arty & Rosy
Happy Bark Day to Sam a day early 😉
What beautiful butterflies! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a painted lady – but what a gift to be visited by so many!
Those flowers are GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Our fall colors are strange this year, I think the bizarre temps aren’t making them as vibrant as usual…the leaves also seem to be falling earlier and faster 🙁
Sam’s birfday Eve??!!?? We will be by tomorrow to officially say Happy Birfday! And it is such a beautiful time now isn’t it?
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Glorious autumn…the best!
Great time of year early Fall. Too bad winter comes crashing in so fast up here at the Golden K. So we’ll enjoy the beauty and fall colors while we can. Plus we could use another year of plentiful rain and mostly cold weather and snow in the higher elevations. Happy Barkday to Sam; I hope he reciprocates the sharing of his treats that his ninja sister did on her recent gotcha day. Enjoy the weather and festivities!
It’s my favorite time of year before winter takes center stage. I’m sure Sam will come around and share the treat bounty. Happy weekend to you and the girls!
……a truly beautiful scene……with wings…..
I love your description of the season, I would enjoy fall more if I could think like a dog and live in the day. But I know winter is coming. We have mild winters but they are not summers.
I think that’s why Autumn and Spring are the transition seasons. Loads to enjoy before the extremes hit.
My plumbago hasn’t been acting up recently. I feel fine.
Wonderful pictures!
Coming from you, that’s quite a compliment. Thank you.
Sounds like you are having our weather too here in PA. My plumbago was just gorgeous this year. We had a lot of rain or something that makes it happy! Happy birthday eve Sam!
Thanks for the birthday wishes. These are the days we live for in Colorado. Gorgeous golden glow, moderate temps and beautiful foliage. Plumbago is my favorite ground cover in the garden. So lovely, all year long.
yes, it was such a wonderful weather and it was so great to be outside… but since yesterday the “real” fall moved in and the wind is cold and icy… think the mama needs a warmer coat and new boots to survive that siberian temperatures ;O)
Oh yes, a new warm coat and boats will definitely be needed for Siberia.
So the Doppler forecast is clear with a chance of scattered butterflies?
LOL…yup…pretty much. They have been the coolest ‘weather’ phenomena to hit the Mile High since Rocktober fizzled out the other night against the D-Backs.
That’s amazing. I didn’t realize that Painted Ladies migrated too! Glad you had the perfect weather to get out and enjoy them!
I didn’t realize they migrate from the Dakotas to Arizona. Fascinating and pretty little things.
The radar with the Painted Ladies is amazing! Never seen anything like it. I may not be near a computer tomorrow (explanation later) so dear Knucklehead, er, Sam, have a joyous, treat-filled 12th birthday. You are a special dog, for sure. <3
They are quite the buzz around town. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Have a ‘wagnificent’ weekend!