Leaf Moth

This moth was on my screen door. It looks as much like a leaf as the ones in the Butterfly House at Callaway Gardens. I had to take the picture several times because the camera kept focusing on the screen instead of the insect. I had the same problem photographing dragon flies. It is interesting that this moth's antennae are hidden by being pointed under the wings, presenting a more leaf-like appearance.

Lion's Ear

I bought this plant (Leonotis) at Petals From the Past in Clanton at their late summer sale. I had no idea what it was, but it was labelled as a perennial , so I wanted to give it a try. It is blooming at about 2 feet tall. It has stood up much better to the dry weather we've had since I planted it than the Mexican Salvia 'Limelight" which I got at the same time. In fact the 'Limelight' has disappeared completely. I have since planted a perennial coreopsis ( Creme Brulee) in its place.
Reading has lead me to believe that the lion's ear may or may not be perennial, and if it is not, I doubt it will have time to set seed before frost, so it may probably vanish also. But that's what you get when you buy something you do not know what is. But I like to try new plants and I also like surprises. More often than not the surprise does not work out, but still, it's worth the anticipation, which my mother-in-law has pointed out is often better than the event.

Fall Joys

My morning glories have been at their peak in the last week. Last evening the morning glories were still open when the moon vines began to open. These Heavenly Blues surely are heavenly.

Census of Marine Life

These pictures of marine animals are so weird, beautiful, and fantastic, that I can't say anything more than take a look!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39473500/ns/technology_and_science-picture_stories/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

Planter Made From Drawer

I threw out an old dresser a while back, but kept the drawers. I finally got around to executing some of my ideas about what to do with drawers. (I see them cast aside along with other trash all the time.)  I painted this one and lined it with plastic to keep any drainage water from destroying the drawer. The table is just one that has been kicked around here for 40 years. The plants are in pots, so the weight on the drawer is less and the plants can be staged higher/lower for the best effect. It also makes it easier to change the display as the plants change their appearance.
Two more of the drawers I converted to under bed storage. To make them easier to access, I  put slides (cheaper) on the bottom of one drawer, and on the other one I put wheels. Wheels work better, but they also require more space under the bed, which might then require bed risers. 

Wildlife At the Beach

Great  herons like to hang out with fishermen if possible. It cuts down on the work they have to do . themselves. They wait around for a handout. This picture was taken at Florida Point. You can see Gulf Shores and environs in the bavkground.

I can't help myself. Herons are such elegant birds that I have to take their picture whenever I can.

This fellow has been injured somehow. Looks like both wings are hurt. I didn't see him fly, but if he can't . staying near the water at least provides him with a chance to eat.

Protected turtle nest

Shells from Gulf Shores September 2010

The heart shaped piece of shell is a hunk of a large sand dollar. There were many pieces of large sand dollars on the beach, but I only found one small one (quarter sized) that was whole. I also found several pieces of  Scotch bonnets, but none that were anywhere near whole. Oh how I wish I could find a whole Scotch bonnet at Gulf Shores!! But I have only ever seen very broken pieces. Beyond these two kinds, there was the usual abundance of scallops, calicos,clams, a few oysters, and many cockles. In fact, I found the largest cockle I have ever found anywhere.