Summer Blues

Day 267: I get the blues when it rains. Or rather, I get the rain when it blues. When the delphinium spikes open fully, it seldom fails to either rain or blow or do both at once. At four or more feet in height, the inflorescences are particularly vulnerable to inclement weather even when staked. I keep mine in tomato cages, sometimes tied to the rings to prevent them from being toppled. Although it's not easily visible in the photo, each flower has a spur similar to that of a nasturtium in which the nectar accumulates. The hummingbirds love them, hovering at each individual "bee" (the white center) and working their way from bottom to top as they sip the nectar. Bumblebees are drawn to the flowers as well, so that there is often a bee in the bee, buzzing happily as it gathers pollen. Delphiniums do not re-seed easily and thus are easy to maintain in their appointed spots. Mine are right outside my window where I can watch the hummers and buzzers in comfort even if it blows or rains.