A quick post for those who are not bug fans and completion of the Two-fer.
While looking for a specific flower that I mentioned yesterday, I came across this Closed Gentian-Gentiana clausa growing at Glauco Pond.
This was made shortly before we started to experience Henri so the light was subdued but it’s gentle light and I like that often enough.
There is one of these growing in the yard that is just starting to develop buds. More than likely this won’t be the last seen here.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I remember you mentioning these when I posted photos of our prairie gentian. It’s a lovely color. Is this as far as they open?
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Pretty much this is it. Bumbles know how to get inside but they are the only ones I have seen solving the flowers. These are in the wild but I do have one in my barrel garden along with two related species, the Fringed Gentians which are also budding up now.
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Now I have trouble deciding which photo is more beautiful, the cute little bug or this flower.
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That’s a nice dilemma, Peter. I am glad you like both.
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A beautiful photo. I love that shade of blue and like shoreacres, wonder if it opens any further?
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One website says “densely packed clusters of upright, 1-2” long pleated blooms borne in the axils of upper leaves and terminally swell, but remain closed on multi-stemmed plants with lance-shaped dark green foliage.”
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That’s another way to put it.
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Yes, this is about as open as they get, Tina. Bumblebees are able to force their way in but most other pollinators cannot. I have one growing in a barrel garden along with two fringed gentians which are even more beautiful. Here’s an example. I always get excited when their bloom time approaches.
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Lovely portrait, Steve. I love that only bumblebees know how to open the petals to get inside to pollinate them. Clever bees!
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Clever, yes, but big and strong too. 🙂 Thanks, Eliza!
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Such a lovely blue!
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It is a lovely flower even if a bit different.
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What a wonder, Steve! That blue is surely something uplifting. You hit the sweet spot there. Very nice!
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There wasn’t much color along the edge of the pond so this was easy to spot. Thanks, Pete!
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This is a beauty, Steve. The soft light works well, indeed. Lush colors, too.
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Thanks, Jane! Gentians are among my favorites!
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