New to TEG

[Dahlia]

@flowerbug Hahaha funny little flower bug. Let’s see what is your fav flower and flower bug
Today my fav bug and flower is… View attachment 67219View attachment 67220

My favorite flower today is a peony and my favorite bug is a blue butterfly! (Both images found on Internet - I am not the author).

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

@Dahlia good choice peony’s are fabulous. When they bloom in early spring it’s a good sign .
I have never seen a blue butterfly here in Oregon. Beautiful choice.

My fickle fav blooms are influenced by your choice.


Fav bug are ants who rescue and protect peony’s from aphids .

 

[flowerbug]

...
Fav bug are ants who rescue and protect peony’s from aphids .

i spent a lot of time as a kid studying ants.

there are several plants that ants will actively protect but not having grown peonies i didn't know they did that for those plants. it's always fun to learn new things.

for some plants and aphid species the ants will herd the aphids and protect them instead as they will secrete sweet nectar as they feed on the plants.

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

Peonies buds produce nectar to attract ants . While the ants enjoy an early season substance they also protect the buds from aphids. When the blooms open no damage from aphids usually eager to find plants in early spring to feed. Thanx to the ants.

 

[baymule]

What an interesting thing with peonies and ants. Then you get to enjoy the flowers!

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

@baymule Exactly . Love peony’s some tree peony’s are older than I am …in plant years that is.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

I brought some of my peonies with me when we moved up here. I wish the blooms lasted longer for my enjoyment

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

@Rhodie Ranch A tip for lasting peony blooms. Peony blooms last much longer in a vase of water inside. Weather conditions can be brutal in spring. I like to pick them and keep in a vase of water . At night place them in frig overnight, (vase & all), take out of the frig the next day to admire. They last for weeks.

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

@baymule thank you for the informative mark on tips to keep peony blooms . Means ? I mean I know what it means but not sure how it’s used this way? Thanx

 

[Marie2020]

How on earth did I manage not to post you a welcome

Hello and