#sunflower pollen clusters

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Revealing a tiny world: Unseeable with the naked eye are the edges of an acupuncture needle (above) lined with clusters of sunflower pollen. The spiky exterior helps pollen cling to plants.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN-OLIVER DUM, NIKON SMALL WORLD

[zoomzooml]

[Worldbuilding] Flora of Cybertron

With a word of introduction, it is worth mentioning what "cyberflora" is in general. Plants are primary producers in most terrestrial ecosystems and are the basic link in the food chain in that way or another. This is how things are on both Earth and Cybertron.

Transformers and mechanimals are derived from protoforms created directly by Vector Sigma, but plants are self-sustaining in this case. No life form reproduces sexually, and plants undergo a process that can be called self-fertilization. Some reproduce by pollenation. Pollen is nothing more than a naked or nearly naked, tiny protoform. Then it can rely on either pollinators or the wind. Once it lands in a suitable place, the pollen, like other organisms, will develop an armor, turning into a seed and burrow itself. Others have developed reproduction by dividing the shoot.

The environments on this globe are varied, conditioned by many types of plants, adapted to these conditions. However, there are a few that are at least recognizable almost everywhere.

One example is the Crested Sunflower. The largest and most recognizable part of it, to which it owes its name, is the solar panel which measures 4 to 8 meters in height. Thanks to a mechanized process similar in action to photosynthesis, from the light absorbed, the Sunflowers are able to produce energy that goes to Vector Sigma. The calyx contains energon - nectar - which the Sunflower shares with its pollinators, who, frequenting will spread the pollen so that it eventually lands on the right ground.

Another variety of sunflower is the Table Sunflower. The unusually large form is shaped like a tree, which measures from 30 to as much as 100 meters in height, sometimes even exceeding them. It is rarer and much more tenacious. The Table Sunflower has its solar panels always pointing parallel to the sky, and pollen develops under the plates to let the wind carry it away when its time comes. It performs a function similar to its smaller cousin, energy acquisition for Vector Sigma

According to the prevailing theory, the sunflower flora is one of Vector Sigma's main sources of the energy, which it is able to convert into energon, which then goes into the planet's circulation. For other Cybertronians, these plants are practically inedible and very unpalatable; it is possible to process them into energon essence, but this is controversial due to religious symbolism.

These are most likely the oldest plants created on Cybertron, but not the only ones.

Another example of flora, this time growing underwater, is Fuel Kelp, whose fruits - fuel bulbs - are a common energon. The plant's stem is a tangle of wires and tubes, and its fruits, stores of surplus absorbed nutrients. The fruits are soft and flexible. They reproduce by dividing the shoot, which makes them easy to reproduce artificially. This makes them a staple, fairly inexpensive food for Transformers.

Flower-like plants come in all sorts of shapes and forms, but most of them - at least terrestrial - can be structurally fitted into these types. Some trees will also fit.

The petals can be anther protection or solar panels. If they are armor solar panels usually develop as leaves. Pollen can be deposited on the anthers or directly on the edge of the pistil stigma (also called energon cup or nectar cup).

No ecosystem is free of parasites. Those affecting Cybertron's flora are usually invasive lichens that will digest host metal or virtually suck out energon. This can and will result in plants dying, crumbling and collapsing. Interestingly, some parasites haunting Cybertron will happily settle for the soil itself, which can lead to cracks in the ground, weakening the soil or chewing through root clusters, destroying entire habitats of flora or cocoons.

[toadstoolgardens]

Foraging for Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod or Solidago blooms in late summer/early fall across much of North America. It's beautiful golden flowers reflect the golden sun of late summer. Goldenrod is edible and medicinal and can be used as a natural dye!!

Identifying Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family and likes open sunny areas like meadows, fields, and forest openings. The stems are tall and stiff with tiny golden-yellow flowers in a dense, pyramid-shaped, pluming cluster. It's a prolific perennial and can grow 0.5-2m tall.

The leaves vary slightly depending on the species of goldenrod, but they're long, narrow, and taper to a point. The edges can be smooth or slightly toothed, or slightly hairy on the underside depending on species.

Goldenrod in my area likes to grow alongside New England Aster. They make such a beautiful combination of purple and yellow and can aid in identification. If you see one you just might see the other!

Look-Alikes

Goldenrod can sometimes be mistaken for Senecio species like ragwort (left) and groundsel (right). Some Senecio species contain TOXIC pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage. As always please be 100% certain of your identification before harvesting!! That said, senecio's flowers are generally much larger and much fewer than goldenrod's many tiny flowers. They also tend to bloom earlier in the season than goldenrod.

Harvesting Goldenrod

All of the above-ground parts of goldenrod are edible! Harvest by snipping the top of the stems, leaves, and flower heads with scissors (about the top 1/3rd of the plant). The earlier in the blooming season the better! The later blooms tend to be more bitter and can fluff up like dandelions if you want to dry them.

If you're worried about seasonal allergies you should be safe with goldenrod! Goldenrod is insect pollinated so it doesn't need to release pollen into the air.

Whatever you do DO NOT pull up entire goldenrod plants!!! Goldenrod is a massively important plant for hundreds of pollinators including bees, butterflies, beetles, and wasps. Harvest sustainably, no pulling up by the roots, and only snip the tops you'll use!!

You can use goldenrod fresh or dry it by hanging it upside down for about a week (spread it out for adequate airflow!) or in your kitchen oven by spreading in a single layer on baking sheets and baking 4-5 hours at 170F/76C. Store dried goldenrod in an airtight container.

Goldenrod Uses & Benefits

Goldenrod as an herbal remedy is highly anti-inflammatory, great for the kidneys (prevents and flushes kidney stones, helps relieve minor bladder infections), helpful for minor respiratory issues like seasonal allergies and colds, and helps heal minor wounds and swelling when used externally. It's also edible raw or cooked! The leaves can be cooked like spinach or used in lots of tasty fall recipes like this goldenrod cornbread?!? I need it.

Safety Note: Goldenrod has been traditionally used as medicine and is regarded as very safe. That said, goldenrod taken internally has a diuretic effect. If you have any problems with the urinary system or take a diuretic already, PLEASE ask a medical professional before using. Don't use herbal medicines to treat serious health issues or in fragile populations like babies or the elderly without consulting a doctor. I AM NOT A DOCTOR I JUST LIKE PLANTS.

To use your goldenrod medicinally you can make it into tea, tincture, or infused oil. You can also make a goldenrod salve to apply externally!

Goldenrod Tea:

Add 2tbsp of fresh flowers OR 1tbsp of dried flowers to 8oz hot water.

Cover and steep 15-20 minutes before straining.

This tea can be slightly bitter with a sort of anise/licorice flavor. It's great sweetened with a little honey!

Goldenrod Tincture:

Fill a small jar 1/3 - 3/4 full with chopped fresh goldenrod flowers OR 1/4 - 1/2 full with dried goldenrod flowers.

Fill jar with high-proof (40-60%) alcohol like vodka or brandy.

Cap, label, and store out of direct sunlight at least 4-6 weeks. Strain before using.

Your tincture should be good for a year or more. Take a few drops mixed with a spoonful of honey or water. Can be taken up to 3-5 times daily or as needed.

Goldenrod Infused Oil:

Fill a jar 1/4 - 1/2 full with dried goldenrod flowers.

Pour an oil (sunflower, sweet almond, or olive are good options) over the flowers until the jar is full.

Infuse one of 3 ways:

Slow Way - cap jar and place in a dark, cool spot like a cabinet for 4-6 weeks. Strain.

Solar Way - instead of capping the jar cover it with a piece of cheesecloth or scrap of old t-shirt. Set your jar in a sunny window for a few days up to a few weeks. The sun's heat infuses your oil faster! Strain.

Speedy Way - don't cap your jar and set it uncovered in a saucepan containing a few inches of water. Heat on low for 2-3 hours, watching it carefully!! Strain.

Goldenrod Salve: if you made infused oil you can easily make it into a salve!

Add 3.5oz (100g) of your infused oil and 0.5oz (14g) beeswax to a small jar.

Place the jar into a saucepan containing a few inches of water. Heat over medium low until the beeswax melts.

Let cool and apply to minor wounds, sores, swelling, aches & pains.

You can also make a gorgeous yellow or green natural fabric dye from goldenrod!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

[harmonyhealinghub]

Cultivating Ecosystem Harmony: The Best Flowers to Plant for Insects and the Environment Shaina Tranquilino April 6, 2024

In a world where biodiversity is increasingly threatened, every little action to support our ecosystems counts. One powerful way to make a positive impact is by planting flowers that not only beautify our surroundings but also serve as vital resources for insects and other creatures. As we delve into the realm of gardening, let's explore some of the best flowers to plant to foster a thriving ecosystem.

Understanding the Importance of Planting for Insects

Insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They pollinate plants, decompose organic matter, and serve as a vital food source for various animals. However, habitat loss and pesticide use have led to a decline in insect populations worldwide. By choosing the right flowers for our gardens, we can provide essential resources for these beneficial insects, helping to sustain their populations and support overall biodiversity.

Top Flowers for Supporting Insects and the Environment

Lavender: Loved for its fragrant blooms and drought tolerance, lavender is a favourite among gardeners and insects alike. Bees are particularly drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens. Additionally, its aromatic foliage repels pests like mosquitoes and moths.

Sunflowers: With their towering stems and vibrant blooms, sunflowers are not only a sight to behold but also a magnet for pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even birds flock to these cheerful flowers to collect nectar and seeds. Opt for native varieties to provide the most benefit to local wildlife.

Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm): As the name suggests, bee balm is a bee favourite, attracting a variety of pollinators with its colourful blooms. This native perennial not only adds beauty to the garden but also provides a valuable food source for bees and butterflies throughout the summer months.

Goldenrod: Often unfairly blamed for causing allergies (it's actually ragweed that's the culprit), goldenrod is a powerhouse of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its bright yellow flowers light up the late summer and early fall landscape while supporting diverse insect populations.

Echinacea (Coneflowers): Coneflowers, with their distinctive spiky centers and daisy-like petals, are not only visually striking but also highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make them a low-maintenance addition to any garden.

Milkweed: No list of insect-friendly flowers would be complete without milkweed. As the sole host plant for monarch butterfly larvae, milkweed is essential for supporting declining monarch populations. Planting milkweed provides a critical habitat for monarchs to lay their eggs and nourishes caterpillars as they undergo metamorphosis.

Yarrow: Yarrow's flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers are a favourite among pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps. This drought-tolerant perennial is easy to grow and adds a delicate beauty to gardens while supporting local insect populations.

Tips for Creating an Insect-Friendly Garden

Choose Native Plants: Native plants are adapted to the local environment and provide the best resources for native insects. Research native species in your area and incorporate them into your garden.

Plant a Variety of Flowers: Different insects have different preferences, so aim for a diverse selection of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This ensures a steady supply of nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm beneficial insects along with pests. Instead of relying on chemicals, practice natural pest control methods and encourage a healthy balance of predators and prey in your garden.

Provide Shelter and Water: In addition to flowers, consider including other elements in your garden, such as shrubs, trees, and water features, to provide shelter, nesting sites, and sources of hydration for insects.

By planting flowers that support insects and the environment, we can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and create havens of beauty and life in our own backyards. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony, every patch of green can make a difference in nurturing our precious ecosystems. Let's cultivate harmony with nature, one flower at a time.

[mimicteruyo]

Garden of Eternity

[Touhou Ship Week Day 7: Free Day. Yuuka/Mokou, 1.1k words]

Mokou smelled the flowers long before she could peel her eyes open. It was cacophony in scent form that somehow managed to come together to form a striking perfume. She tried to recognise the scent of at least one individual flower in the mix with no success.

Once she was more awake, she discovered that what had been a grassy meadow when she had laid her head down had transformed into a garden. Instead of blades of grass and dandelions, she was resting on a blanket of sweet alyssum and surrounded by primroses and irises so violently violet they seemed more like purple flames than blossoms. Ahead, sunflower stalks rose towards their namesake, their flowers still raw and green.

She lay back down and admired the clusters of lilac blossoms swaying on the branches at the edge of her vision, their scent suddenly distinct and intoxicating now that she could see them. Had they been in bloom when she had last been awake? She couldn't remember. When had she fallen asleep, for that matter? All she knew was that she was more alive breathing in the sudden summer enshrouding than she had been for quite some time now.

The wind carried with it the sound of someone gently humming to themselves. Mokou listened for a while, her eyes still on the lilacs, then spoke without moving. "Did you mean to use me as a flowerbed?"

The tune tapered to silence. Yuuka's voice was as pleasant as ever and ringed from far closer than Mokou had guessed. "Of course not. Corpses make for far better fertiliser than live bodies."

Mokou was careful not to crush the sweet alyssum as she turned to her side to look at Yuuka. She was vaguely aware her new position was bad for her back — and the fact she noticed that was practically a miracle by itself. Either way, she chose to bear it. Her body would recover from anything she put it through one way or another, while the blossoms around her only had one chance.

The section of the meadow Yuuka knelt in was dotted with poppies as red as her dress. She looked at once like a flower herself, one which had only sprouted into existence alongside rest of the meadow's splendour, and like she was as permanent as the ground beneath them. She appeared to have already forgotten Mokou's presence as she tended to the flowers. Her smile as she cupped her hands around a struggling sunflower sapling was as gentle as a dewdrop on a rose petal. Mokou knew her well enough to be certain she would never bestow a look like that upon anything else in the world. Even witnessing it from the sidelines was another small miracle.

Still, she thought she had seen that exact smile once before. When had it been? She only seemed to run into Yuuka once in a century, but even that meant they had met at least...

She sat up and looked away before she blurted out the question that leapt to her tongue. It could wait. For now, she wished to savour the utter sense of calm in the garden for a moment longer.

Looking to her left, she saw the dandelions which had dominated the meadow before hadn't been eradicated: they continued to bloom alongside the poppies and more showy garden plants. They had been weeds, once, then becoming a blessing from the gods, then simply becoming something to grace the lands she wandered through regardless of what anyone else thought of them.

She stood and navigated carefully to where the patch of dandelions was at its thickest. She had expected to see insects once she got close enough to flowers, but she was still surprised to find a bumblebee crawling all over the largest of the dandelions, clearly savouring every moment as it gorged itself on its pollen and nectar. It wasn't alone, either: the longer Mokou stood in place, the greater the number of bumblebees buzzing around the flowers.

"I thought bumblebees were extinct."

She spoke the words to the wind, but Yuuka's ears had always been sharp. "Yes, I feared the same. But it seems they have recovered quite admirably."

Mokou left the bumblebees to their toil and began ambling towards Yuuka, keeping an eye out for more dandelions as she did so. She discovered several which had completed their bloom, their spherical clusters of cloudy seeds swaying in the wind as if begging to fly away.

She bent lower as she walked and snapped the stem of one of the dandelion clocks. It took her several blows to dislodge all of the seeds, but soon enough she got to watch as they floated towards where the sunlight was at its brightest and slowly scattered.

She turned to see Yuuka smiling at her. It was a different smile from the one she had given to the poppies — it was sharper, for one — but it seemed genuine enough.

Mokou placed her hands in her pockets as she studied Yuuka. Suddenly, the question which had attempted to escape from her earlier was simply in the air between them. "Do you ever feel old?"

Yuuka's eyes grew darker. Her smile didn't waver for a second. "At times, yes." She turned away to gaze at the garden and observed it for so long Mokou wasn't certain she ever meant to continue until she suddenly did. "The changing of the seasons keeps me feeling young. Why would I worry about the years on my shoulders when there are new blossoms blooming every single day?"

Mokou watched her in silence for a moment longer, then walked over to stand by her side. She swept her eyes across the flowers all around them, wondering all the while just how differently Yuuka saw them from her. "It's a good thing you relish change."

"Indeed. Still, there is something very delightful about a flower that blooms in all seasons."

Mokou brought her attention back to Yuuka and found herself to be the target of close scrutiny and a bright smile. It was not the smile she usually greeted people with, nor was it the one she reserved for flowers. It was stunning all the same, especially as it reached her eyes and lit them up like rubies.

Mokou extracted her hand from her pocket and held it out. Still smiling, Yuuka took it.

"So." Mokou faced the horizon. "Just how far does this garden stretch on?"

"Quite far. We could take a stroll through it if you happen to have the time."

Mokou flashed a smile at the sun and squeezed Yuuka's hand, breathing in a scent that seemed to contain the flowers of all seasons at once. "I still have all the time in the world."

[speculative-world]

amphidendron, more commonly called a leaning tree, these trees litter the steppe near sources of ammonia as well as particularly nutrient dense patches of soil, they have evolved the ability to move the branches at the top of their trunk and use it to do a form of heliotropism, similar to telluric sunflowers, and during the night they move back to face the direction of tiruriwk in the morning, the branches that grow off of the sides of the trunk however do not, they have adapted to use the organisms they attract with their low lying branches for assistance in reproduction, by evolving gametangia on the end of the branches which release pollen whenever the moss gets disturbed and then releasing chemicals to attract any spores which got combined in that event, adding their own genetic material to any they receive, then growing clusters of nuts off of the gametangia for organisms to consume to help spread them, if the nuts are still there in 5-9 days they will release them and continue releasing pollen, if you have any questions at all about this organism please don't be afraid to ask im more than happy to answer

[rjbaynumphotography]

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is known for its vibrant purple flowers and calming scent, which attracts bees and butterflies alike. Its nectar-rich blooms provide a valuable food source throughout the summer, making it a staple for any pollinator garden.

* Bloom Time: Summer

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Lavender’s strong fragrance and high nectar content attract a wide range of pollinators, especially bees.

2. Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are a popular choice among gardeners and pollinators alike. These daisy-like flowers with raised centers attract butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds. They’re also incredibly hardy and easy to grow.

* Bloom Time: Summer to fall

* Light: Full sun to partial shade

* Benefits: Coneflowers are drought-resistant and provide nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds in the fall.

3. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, has clusters of colorful, tubular flowers that pollinators adore. With shades ranging from pink to purple and red, it’s a magnet for bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

* Bloom Time: Mid-summer

* Light: Full sun to partial shade

* Benefits: Bee balm’s fragrant blooms and high nectar content make it a favorite of bees and hummingbirds.

4. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

As the name suggests, the butterfly bush is perfect for attracting butterflies. Its long, fragrant flower clusters offer nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds, especially in late summer when other nectar sources are scarce.

* Bloom Time: Summer to early fall

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Butterfly bush blooms continuously and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with ease.

5. Sunflower (Helianthus)

Sunflowers are known for their bright yellow blooms and towering stalks. They attract bees and butterflies when flowering, and as they go to seed, they provide food for birds like finches.

* Bloom Time: Summer to fall

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Sunflowers offer nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, and seeds for birds, making them a valuable multi-season plant.

6. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers that add a pop of color to any garden. Their blooms attract a wide variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, and are easy to grow in various climates.

* Bloom Time: Summer to fall

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: They provide nectar for pollinators and attract seed-eating birds after blooming.

7. Milkweed (Asclepias)

Milkweed is a critical plant for monarch butterflies, as it’s the only plant on which they lay their eggs. It’s also a nectar source for many other pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.

* Bloom Time: Summer

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Milkweed supports monarch butterflies at every stage of their life cycle, from egg-laying to nectar for adult butterflies.

8. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia’s vibrant blue, purple, red, or pink spikes are a hit with pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. This hardy perennial blooms all season long, providing a steady food source for your garden’s pollinators.

* Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Salvia’s long bloom period and tubular flowers are ideal for attracting hummingbirds and bees.

9. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage, with its star-shaped blue flowers, is an herb that draws in bees and butterflies. Its edible flowers also make a lovely addition to salads and beverages. Borage blooms over an extended period, making it a reliable food source for pollinators.

* Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Borage’s high nectar content attracts bees, and its long bloom period ensures pollinators have a consistent food source.

10. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias are colorful, easy-to-grow flowers that come in almost every color of the rainbow. They attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and provide nectar from summer through fall.

* Bloom Time: Summer to frost

* Light: Full sun

* Benefits: Zinnias are heat-tolerant, easy to grow, and provide continuous blooms, keeping pollinators fed all season.

[openintegrative]

Pollinator Friendly Gardens: Attract Butterflies & Bees

Pollinators like butterflies and bees are essential for healthy gardens and ecosystems.

A pollinator-friendly garden includes a variety of native plants that provide nectar and pollen.

Providing water sources and shelter encourages pollinators to visit and stay.

Avoiding pesticides is crucial to maintaining a safe environment for pollinators.

Simple changes can turn any garden into a thriving habitat for butterflies and bees.

Introduction

Creating a garden that attracts butterflies and bees is not only a beautiful way to enjoy nature, but it also supports these vital pollinators.

Butterflies and bees play a key role in pollinating plants, which helps produce fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Importance of Pollinators

Role of Butterflies and Bees in Pollination

Butterflies and bees are some of the best pollinators out there. As they move from flower to flower, they carry pollen that helps plants reproduce.

This process is essential for producing many of the foods we eat and keeping natural ecosystems healthy.

Impact on Gardens and Ecosystems

A garden buzzing with bees and fluttering with butterflies is not only lively and colorful but also productive.

These pollinators help your flowers bloom brighter and your vegetables grow bigger. They also support local wildlife by promoting plant growth that other animals depend on for food and shelter.

Designing a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Choosing the Right Plants

Native Plants

The best way to attract pollinators is by planting native plants. Native plants are those that naturally occur in your area and have evolved alongside local butterflies and bees.

They’re well-suited to the local climate and soil, and they provide the right kind of nectar and pollen that local pollinators need.

Nectar and Pollen Sources

Make sure to include a variety of plants that offer nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.

Flowers with simple, open shapes like daisies, coneflowers, and lavender are easier for bees to access. Butterflies are drawn to brightly colored flowers like zinnias, sunflowers, and milkweed.

Creating a Diverse Habitat

Different Bloom Times

To keep your garden buzzing all season long, plant flowers that bloom at different times. This ensures that there’s always something in bloom to feed the pollinators.

Early bloomers like crocuses and late bloomers like asters will help maintain a continuous food supply.

Variety of Plant Types

Incorporate a mix of plant types, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. This variety creates a more complex and inviting habitat for pollinators.

Small flowering trees like crabapple and dogwood can provide early-season nectar, while herbs like mint and thyme are great for bees.

Providing Water and Shelter

Water Sources

Pollinators need water, too. A shallow dish of water with some stones or pebbles for them to land on is perfect.

You can also create a small mud puddle, which is especially attractive to butterflies looking for minerals.

Creating Safe Shelters

Butterflies and bees need places to rest and take shelter. Leave some areas of your garden a bit wild, with tall grasses or a pile of branches.

You can also add bee houses or create a butterfly habitat by planting host plants where they can lay their eggs.

Avoiding Pesticides

Risks of Pesticides to Pollinators

Pesticides can be harmful or even deadly to pollinators. Even products labeled as organic or safe for gardens can pose risks.

These chemicals can poison bees and butterflies directly or contaminate the plants they feed on.

Natural Alternatives

Instead of pesticides, consider natural pest control methods. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, use companion planting to repel pests, and keep your garden healthy with good soil practices.

Hand-picking pests or using insecticidal soaps made from natural ingredients can also help without harming pollinators.

Simple Tips for Attracting Pollinators

Planting in Clusters

Pollinators are more likely to visit gardens where flowers are grouped together. Planting in clusters makes it easier for them to find food and encourages them to stay longer.

Including Bright Colors

Butterflies and bees are attracted to bright colors, especially blue, purple, yellow, and white. Adding these colors to your garden will make it more appealing to pollinators.

Providing Host Plants for Butterflies

To attract butterflies, it’s important to include host plants where they can lay their eggs. Milkweed is a favorite of monarch butterflies, while parsley and dill are popular with swallowtails.

Conclusion

Attracting butterflies and bees to your garden is both simple and rewarding. By choosing the right plants, providing water and shelter, and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can create a pollinator-friendly garden that will be buzzing with life. Not only will you enjoy the beauty and movement of these amazing creatures, but you’ll also be helping to support the essential role they play in our environment.

FAQs

Why are native plants important for a pollinator-friendly garden?

Native plants are adapted to the local environment and provide the right type of nectar and pollen that local pollinators need.

What types of flowers are best for attracting butterflies and bees?

Flowers with simple, open shapes like daisies and coneflowers are great for bees, while bright flowers like zinnias and milkweed attract butterflies.

How can I provide water for pollinators in my garden?

A shallow dish of water with stones for landing or a small mud puddle can provide the water they need.

Are there any specific plants that cater to butterflies?

Yes, host plants like milkweed for monarchs and parsley for swallowtails are key for attracting butterflies.

What are some natural ways to control pests without harming pollinators?

Use companion planting, encourage beneficial insects, and use natural insecticidal soaps to keep pests in check without harming pollinators.

[bethestaryouareradio]

April Powers Earth Day

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April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” William Shakespeare

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Gardeners refer to April showers bringing May flowers, and that is a truism. As an avid gardener, I believe in April powers as gardens burst into life with abundant floral reveals marking the beginning of a vibrant growing season.

In late 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture updated hardiness zones based on weather conditions between 1991-2020. The upward trend in warming temperatures is no surprise, yet our area has remained at zone 9b. The zones are a recommendation for hardiness when planning your planting. To find specimens that will thrive in our gardens, I advise buying local at your preferred nursery as you’ll find natives and plants that are acclimated to our climate. Also, local nurseries employ knowledgeable garden gurus who can answer your questions to help you be more successful. Wherever you are making your purchase, keep in mind that our 9b hardiness zone is only one factor when you are searching for the best plants for your yard. Your garden may experience a micro-climate different from your neighbors. Always familiarize yourself with the light, soil, and water requirements of your garden.

Intentional use of native plants that have formed symbiotic relationships with native wildlife over millions of years creates the most productive and sustainable wildlife habitat according to the National Wildlife Federation. Entomologist, Dr. Douglas Tallamy, and his team have identified what we call keystone plants, the 14% of native plants that support 90% of butterfly and moth species. Our ecosystems suffer without these keystones. You can search by zip code for necessary natives at www.NWF.org. Our live oak trees alone can host 275 species of caterpillars! Consider scattering seeds of sunflower, aster, fleabane, and lupin. Plant strawberries, trillium, goldenrod, dogwood, roses, and berries as well as fruit trees including apricot, cherry, peach, and plum as hosts to moth and butterfly caterpillars and pollen for bees. When broadcasting seeds either by hand or hydroseeding, don’t cover the seeds or rake them. Do a light compression either with pieces of cardboard, a lawn roller, or even your feet. Yes, the birds and squirrels will consume some of your seeds. Sharing is caring. These seeds require light and air to germinate properly. Seeds that are buried too deeply struggle to access necessary nutrients and may die.

Nature awes me as I walk around my garden. Wildflowers are in glorious abundance. So much is in flower that I don’t know where to point the camera. Western redbud, sour, choke, and sweet cherries, prune, horse chestnut, tulip magnolia, mock orange, and crabapple are just a few of my trees that showcase stand-out blossoms, many intoxicatingly fragrant, and all of them populated with pollinators. My camellia has been repeatedly blooming since December. It was planted as a one-gallon plant several years ago and is now seventeen feet tall and twelve feet wide. When planting anything, make sure you understand how large the plant will be at maturity so that you dig the hole in an area where it will grow and thrive.

My roses, which I heavily pruned in February, are also blooming. Not to be overlooked, forget-me-nots blanket shaded areas while woodland hyacinths, also known as English bluebells and sea foam statice have naturalized in sunny locations dressed to impress the garden in shades of blue and purple. Supporting the butterfly and bird population, the white clusters of viburnum flowers provide nectar for the flitting butterflies while the forming black berries feed the birds. California poppies, calendula, tulips, daffodils, potato vine, anemones, Dutch iris, bearded iris, Calla lilies, periwinkle, a variety of succulents, and masses of weeds carpet my meadow hillside and orchard. I’ll be busy for months to come!

The wisteria is budding and by the time I write my next article, I imagine a glorious gauze of lavender pea flowers cascading over the pergola. When growing wisteria, it is essential to consider the sturdiness of the structure where your vine will twine. Wisteria forms a thick trunk with stems that become woody as they seek climbing support. Arbors, fences, trellises, and even trees become their ladder. To maintain its shape and size, as well as to encourage flowering, wisteria needs regular pruning.

One of my favorite edible wild species that powers on in April is allium triquetrum, wild ramps, also known as the three-cornered leek. Foragers are fond of this delicious triangular onion stem, yet it can be invasive. If you cultivate it, make sure it doesn’t escape. These wild onions closely resemble the lance-shaped leaves of Lily of the Valley which is not an allium and non-edible.  Lily of the Valley is poisonous with white, bell-shaped flowers, whereas the ramps produce umbels of small white flowers. All alliums have a very distinct onion smell. If you think you are gathering ramps but there is no onion smell, do not taste it. Always be certain of what plant you are eating as there are many plants poisonous and toxic to humans that resemble edible ones.

Although it’s early, I’m experimenting with growing tomato seedlings. I started with a couple of plants in March and will continue adding to my plot through June to determine when the best time is to grow this favorite fruit. As you plant your tomatoes, peas, and beans, support them with strong cages or wire. Tomatoes need six to eight hours of sunlight daily and are best spaced two feet apart. They will do well in large containers or pots of fifteen gallons or more.

Our mild weather, warm sunshine, occasional showers, diverse plant species, wildflower displays, lavish blooms, plus the humming, buzzing, singing, crowing, croaking, cawing, and hooting of wildlife make this gorgeous month a time of vitality, color, and renewal as youthful April powers!

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing.

Happy Earth Day! Celebrate Nature!

Read Lamorinda Weekly: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1804/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-April-Powers.html

Nonprofit of the Year: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1804/Moragas-Business-and-Nonprofit-of-the-Year.html

Cynthia Brian amongst the weeds and the blooms of Earth Day!

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardenerat https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available AT A DISCOUNT now at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  

Thank you for reading StarStyle® Empowerment . This post is public so feel free to share it.

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[ihadtohaveone-blog]

Was it lion king that did the fireflies in the night sky? Maybe the bees mutate into bee-firefly hybrid thing due to his ectoplasm. They'd look like little glowing balls with stardust/pollen falling from behind them. And the flowers give them a slight hue and the more they take from that color the deeper the hue gets? And the type of flower effect the type of star structure? Sunflowers and other single type flowers give one toned. As if from far away and clusters give a sort of moving magma look our sun gives up close?

Danny Phantom AU where he’s a beekeeper

[cerberusdailynews]

[CRIME] Court Rules Sunflower Pollen Snorting Legal, But Idiotic

via Errithis Articles Systems Alliance courts overseeing the nascent colony of Chasca have delivered a ruling which may seem plain common sense, but we assure you requires some additional context. The ruling comes after a long and convoluted case of suspected drug trafficking and transportation of hazardous materials from another colonization candidate world in the cluster known as the Maroon Sea. Authorities at Chasca were first alerted in June to the possible smuggling of drugs, with a passing scientific expedition making a layover at the colony acting as unwitting couriers. However, the situation was judged far more severe when reports of colonists experiencing allergic reactions reached Chasca’s healthcare provisioners. The scientific expedition was part of an ongoing research campaign into Nodacrux, a potential colonization candidate world hampered by dangerous airborne pollen. Chasca’s authorities were soon concerned that an opportunistic researcher had sold deadly pollen at the colony, passing it off as a new drug. However, forensic examinations determined that the mystery ingredient afflicting the colonists was merely pollen from the Earth sunflower, an entirely legal substance with no narcotic properties. The courts subsequently found the Chascan con men not guilty of trafficking in drugs. Instead they were found guilty of counterfeiting and fraud.

[ash-la-rose]

I waited with a hand over my glass to keep the fruit flies out. I took a humid sip and tried not to think about the bugs.

‘If you’re gonna worry, be consistent.’ I reminded myself.

***

Like always, Sage blew in with the wind. She was a breath of fresh air.

“Are there any blackberries left?” She asked.

“We’ve got about an hour of daylight to go find some.” I said.

We walked through my dusky neighborhood, cups in hand, laughing too loudly. We followed crunchy vines that had braided themselves into fences. Late berries hung on in clusters, taking shots of filtered light. It was last call.

“Did you know blackberries have worms in them?” I asked, picking through the brambles.

“Like, all of them?” She laughed, plopping a few under-ripe berries into her drink.

“Yeah, little fruit fly larvae.”

I reached up and inspected a very shiny berry. It came off easily with a puff of pollen, staining my fingertips dark purple. Tangy seeds and saccharine flowers.

We’d had our fill so we moved on. Drooping sunflowers towered over us. We bit into rose-hips from the witches’ briar and spat them out.

At the end of my street, there’s a stream. Sage found a patch of white clovers. We sat for a bit looking for some luck.

“There were four-leaf clovers in the garden of Eden.” I said.

“Wasn’t there also a talking snake?” She stood, tucking her hair up into her hat. The orange skies cast pink on her cheeks.

“Poison fruit too, I think?” I laughed.

Sage smiled mischievously and dropped a clover into her glass.

“Into the sangria!”

***

I put my wine on the floor. There was a coffee table across the room, covered in mail. I crossed my legs and pressed my back into the overfilled couch cushions. I stretched up my arms and sighed.

Music rattles the floors here. I spotted a tiny fly paddling drunkenly through a burgundy wave pool.

Jace played idly, draped over his guitar, looking at his hands but not really seeing them. Even his passing refrains are unexpectedly lovely.

A fly flew into my ear. I panicked and batted at the side of my head.

“You ok?” He asked.

“You should really clean up.” I pouted. I touched his hair but he didn’t look at me.

That night, I listened. I waited. I picked little bugs out of my wine and I drank it anyway.

[toadstoolgardens]

7 Reasons to Grow Perennial Sunflowers

Sunflowers (Helianthus) are native to North and Central America. You're likely familiar with annual sunflowers with their big cheery blooms and big edible seeds, but perennial sunflowers are just as cheery and useful! Perennial sunflowers grow in full sun in zones 3-9 and bloom in the late summer through fall. They're drought tolerant and grow in thick patches anywhere from 3-8 feet tall. Sow them in the fall or if you cold stratify them they can be sown in spring after the last frost.

1. Perennial sunflowers are edible. They don't have the big seeds that annual sunflowers produce, but they have small seeds (harvested in late October/November) that are tasty as a snack or sprinkled on salads and other foods. Jerusalem artichokes or sunchokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are known for their nutritious edible roots. Dig up these edible tubers in the late fall after the plants finish flowering. The young green shoots of perennial sunflowers are also edible and tasty! Harvest in the early spring and enjoy them raw or cooked.

2. Perennial sunflowers are deer resistant. If you're looking for a natural barrier that repels deer from your garden, perennial sunflowers might be what you need. Deer do sometimes come to browse the seed heads in the fall so harvest your seeds by cutting the spent blooms, leaving behind the stiff spiky stems that deer don't like. Then cut the stems to the ground for winter to make way for new shoots in spring.

3. Create a hedgerow with perennial sunflowers. Hedgerows are great for lots of things like privacy or windbreaks and perennial sunflowers make a nice thick hedgerow during the growing season. Their roots also form a barrier that keeps grass from growing in areas you don't want it.

4. Create your own mulch and compost. When given full sun perennial sunflowers grow into a thick patch. Chopping them back at the end of the season will give you a HUGE amount of biomass to spread as a mulch or add to the compost pile.

5. Reduce erosion and water pollution. Perennial sunflowers have a root crown and rhizomatous root system that forms a dense underground cluster. This cluster of roots will hold soil in place and absorb water and nutrients. They can also be grown as a buffer to protect a stream or other natural feature from agricultural/roadway runoff.

6. Attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Butterflies, bees, and beetles are all attracted to their pollen and nectar. Ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitoid wasps (all friends) will come patrol the area for aphids, caterpillars, and other garden pests. It's free pest control!

7. Foster wildlife with perennial sunflowers. Since perennial sunflower patches are so dense they produce habitat and cover for birds and other small wildlife. Butterfly caterpillars also feed on the foliage!

Source

[ee-furoido]

Jade-senpai! I made something for you- *places a pretty flower crown made out of small sunflowers on his head* Hehe, maybe you can show Ms Raven! I remember you saying that corvina like these kinds of flowers :)

Tagging @raven-at-the-writing-desk for EBG purposes~

Jade reaches up to touch the sunflowers on his head, his fingers brushing the soft petals, pollen catching onto the fabric of his gloves, covering it in yellow. He rubs his fingers together, spreading the dust around before brushing them off into the wind.

“My, how thoughtful.” He chuckled. “Yes, wouldn’t it be amusing if something as simple as a sunflower-crown would be simple enough to bring that little raven back to me? Especially something as bright and bold as sunflowers. Perhaps I should go visit her new perch in the Savanaclaw Dormitory with this on, fufu.

“However, with how willingly she gave herself up to another playmate, perhaps we should try to lure her in with something even more her speed.” He gestures to some flowers that he had laid out on a table. “Perusing through my notes on Miss Raven, I came across an entry where she had elaborated on flowers that reminded her of me, and perhaps...”

Multiple branches were entwined with one another, sprouting unique claw-shaped flowers, one bundle with red, the other with turquoise. The two colors weaved within each other, intricately setting up a beautiful lei. Jade nodded matter-of-factly at his handiwork.

“The Turquoise Jade vine and the Scarlet Jade vine, both so very beautiful, and quite fascinating, don’t you think? The flowers cluster together like grapes, and once they fall from the vine... they change colors completely.” A soft, sad smile spread across his face as he glanced down at the table again. 

“It may be naïve of me to think that something as simple as her favorite flowers would bring her home, but, alas. I will do what I can to show her that we are still here, despite her disappearance. Fufufu.”

[burning-clutch]

A Garden Variety Ghost

Category: Gen,

Pairings: Jack/Maddie        

Author: @burning-clutch (Team Ghost)

Characters:  Danny, Jazz Maddie, Jack 

Warnings: Mentions of drugs, and drug like effects           

-.-.-.-.-.-

 Ding Dong!

 The doorbell ringing in the Fenton household was always an event for many different reasons. One main one being that Jack Fenton was like an overly excitable guard dog that could actually open doors to launch out into the streets at the wayward delivery personnel. So when a hapless U-ship worker came with a collection of boxes he was met with the Fenton Foamer and a number of prolific apologies from Maddie.

 “So what did you order?” Jazz asked from her spot at the kitchen table, looking up from her book only briefly to eye the cardboard package hoping to discern something from its inconspicuous form.

 Maddie placed the box on the table in front of Jazz while Jack bounced excitedly beside her. “We were checking old references in my old Fenton-Nightingale book and we found a few things detailed we wanted to try out!” he boomed excitedly giving a giddy chuckle as Maddie opened the box.

 “Okay… and that means what for us exactly? Should I stay at a friend's for a week?” Jazz asked nervously peering into the box only to frown when she saw nothing but packets of cushioning.  

 “No no. It’s fine.” Maddie said with a wave of her hand pulling out the air cushions to get to the prize. “We’re just looking into the details of ghost plants.”

 “Yeah! There were a few in here that said they did stuff to ghosts! And the main one was blood blossoms, but they’re practically extinct, and we weren’t able to get those, but we got all these other ones to experiment with! Now we just gotta catch a ghost and shove them onto it!” Jack said, pulling out a small package of seeds.

 “As soon as the plants grow,” Maddie added with a laugh. “I suppose gardening can be fun too,” she mused. “Come on hun, let’s set up a Fenton Grow-op”

 “You know how that sounds right?” Jazz sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Seriously it sounds like you guys are getting into illegal ghost drugs or something…”

 The Fenton parents exchanged a look before shrugging. “Well if it only affects ghosts it’ll be fine.” Maddie waved off flippantly.

 “Yeah Jazzy! It’ll give us a good insight into how they think then! If they think at all!” Jack added, his grin threatening to split his face.

 “So you’re going to see if ghosts can trip out?” Jazz asked incredulously.

 “For science!” Jack boomed, seeming to disregard his daughter's look of disbelief.

 “Well not just that, we don’t really know the full effects these may or may not have. There are plants that attract, repel hurt and soothe ghosts.” Maddie explained gently taking the seeds that Jack was threatening to take off with. “Come on sweetie, let’s get these planted.” Maddie urged her husband to go down to the lab.

 Jazz sighed before sending off a quick text to Danny, to avoid the lab for the next few weeks as much as possible.

 Of course, that only worked for so long before Danny was told to clean the lab or else his parents would retaliate by taking away his computer for a week... And with the new Doomed update on its way it was a risk, he was willing to take.

 He crept down into the lab cautiously, hovering in the doorway for a moment before making note of the potentially dangerous flora that was innocently hanging out beneath a plexiglass barrier and a bright sun lamp.

 He double checked the mask on his face, a gas mask he had found in the garage, it had Duel Jack Fenton faces on either side of the filters but if it worked he would suffer from the embarrassment of wearing this stupid thing for a few hours.

 If any of those plants were half as potent as the Blood Blossoms were he would be in trouble if even the pollen were to hit his skin… let alone if he were to inhale something like that…

 With a shudder, he took a hesitant step into the preverbal lion’s den. “Why do both Sam and Tuck have to be busy today…” he groaned to himself as he finally landed on the lab’s floor.

 He crinkled up his nose behind the mask and moved along the wall of the lab, always keeping his eyes on the plants as if they were going to come to life any second and attack him. Though in this household you never know…

 When he finally made it to the shelf he pulled down a box of disposable nitrile gloves and snapped on a pair. Next, he reached for a pair of goggles, popping those onto his eyes. "Right," he said aloud to himself, now as protected as he was going to get without opting to wear a hazmat suit, which he hated the feel off on his human skin.

 He stared at the plants across the lab a moment before deciding it would be best to start there first. Deal with the area most in danger then work outward.

 He frowned in concentration as he began to clean the plexiglass. this was going well so far, good… this will work go-

 "Danny boy!" Jack boomed as he entered the lab causing the teen to jolt in surprise. The action caused his arm that was holding the squeegee to be thrown upwards popping the sealed box open and releasing some sort of purple pollen from the container.

 Danny winced seeing that, infinitely thankful for the mask he had on.

 "Hey, you found the Fenton anti Ecto Gas mask!" Jack boomed, pulling the device free with a wide grin. "I've been looking everywhere for this baby! Now we can have taco nights again! Your mother refused to make them, cuz -a what happens at night after… well, you know how it goes'' He chuckled, giving his son a slap on the back in gratitude.

 Danny just stared wide eyed at his father, there were so many reasons why he didn't need to know about his father's nighttime emissions, but moreover, he had just stolen the gasmask! the one thing that was stopping the… the…

 "You're doing great Dann-o Just remember the gear isn't to play around with… Now I gotta show Maddie this babyˋs back!” Jack boomed leaving his glassy eyed son to stare off into the void, a dopey smile crossing his face.

 What was he so worried about again? Danny blinked slowly as he stared down at the purple pollen. Right that… but why? This was relaxing… it was as if everything just melted away into the background. The scent from the pollen was intoxicating…

 Wait… He blinked his eyes rapidly a few times to clear them. "What?" he stared down at the floor again. That had felt incredibly relaxing! and he felt rejuvenated and energized now!

 He resolved then to figure out what plant it was that did that. it was like a ghostly energy drink! Maybe his parents had flubbed up again like with the ecto-dejecto? He smiled and looked towards the first flower that he could suspect the purple pollen came from.

 The flower looked like some sort of purple pinkie sunflower, with a red tinted centre. Carefully Danny lifted the glass and poked the greenish leaves, before poking the centre of the plant. "Hm…." he stared at it blankly for a moment.

 "Nope, nothing…" He mused this flower was a dud it seemed.

 Moving on he found something that looked like a deep purple tulip, with blood red leaves. He found himself enraptured with this one even before he opened the glass. it was beautiful and he couldn't think of anything more lovely….

 He had to have it.. it was… calling him…

 without even thinking he shifted into ghost mode and phased his hand through to pluck the delicate flower from its stem. He stared at it perplexed a moment before stuffing his face into the plant's open petals, breathing deep and savouring its sweet scent.

 He felt a bit like a cat when he was finally snapped out of his bliss and found himself rubbing his face all over the petals sticky bits of pollen now covered him.

 He wrinkled his nose as he pulled off the sap like pollen onto his glove. It wasn't burning or hurting him so that was something at least… Something that Sam had once told him about plants sparked into his mind. Something about plants attracting certain things for pollinators?

 Great, he was reduced to a but brain now… Though it would make sense if these things were probably grown in the ghost zone before having their seeds dispersed through the human realm

 He glared at the remainder of what once was the tulip, a moment vaporizing the flower pulp to ash in revenge for his idiocy before moving on to the next one.

 Curious now, he opened up the next plant in the line of the trays. This one was a large white flower with a lime green innard and as soon as the teen stuck his head in to examine it he recoiled in disgust.

 It smelled awful! "Nope!" he shut the lid in such a hurry on that one.

 Next to that was a ball shaped cluster of flowers that just seemed to make him angry more than anything. He shook his head and quickly moved on from that.

 On and on he went examining the various plants, with varying degrees of nothing or something with such a small change that he couldn't even really decide if it was really the plant or not.

 it was when he came back around to the mushrooms that his parents were growing that things got a little more… Recreational…

 When he opened up the container to poke at a weird curling mushroom it exploded it's white and blue spores at him.

 Danny grinned brightly a second later and found the world looked as if it suddenly had taken on a deeper saturation, and lights had large star trails following them.

 including the ghostly glow that was on his body… That was simply fun to watch. how his fingers curled and flexed, then turned to mist and back to solid again. Why was this so fun? And since when did the lines in the floor turn to water? how did his parents get them to ripple like that?

 Danny poked the floor with a toe and giggled as he can see the soundwaves from the clack, incredibly loud on the floor, ripple out in the pond that became of the metal. The portal to the ghost zone spinning became still the longer Danny stared at it, it was lucid and wondrous and well… trippy.

 Danny hardly noticed when a grumbling Maddie entered the basement lab holding the infernal Gasmask. The last thing she needed right now was her husband's- "Wh-What's...?" She trailed off, blinking in confusion as she stared at Phantom.

 The ghost was logrolling, though staying perfectly still otherwise in the air, all the while staring at the ghost portal.  

 While the huntress's first instinct was to toss a net at the infernal ghost to catch him, she hesitated upon noticing some of the flowers she had been cultivating had been messed with.

 Well, then this was a potential scientific breakthrough that she probably won't get another chance to have… A lucid highly human like, and sapient ghost had taken some of her plants for seemingly recreational purposes….

 “Phantom. Why are you here?” Maddie asked in the most authoritative voice she could muster with the smirk pulling at her lips. the Famed and controversial hero, Phantom. high as a kite and spinning madly at the ghost portal like he was trying to find an end to the endless swirls.

 The ghost startled at her voice stealing his endless spinning to stare at her upside down. The ghost's pupils were glowing brightly, and the iris had grown wide enough to be seen within the glowing orbs.

 "Mom!" he gasped out, mouth falling open in his shock, as he blinked his wide eyes, and clicked his green tinted tongue as if he'd suddenly tasted something utterly foul.

 Maddie raised an eyebrow at the comment. There wouldn't be any way Phantom would or should remember his human life to any capacity… It was most likely a result of whatever plant the creature had gotten into… Still…

 She figured she could use it to her advantage.

 Without disputing or reprimanding the ghost for his claim she simply moved onto more important matters."What on earth did you get into?"

 Phantom stilled at that, he stopped his movements and did his best imitation of a statue, somehow, incredibly, it still had some sense that forced him to keep up a compulsion that made it look like he was breathing.

 "I- um… I," he stammered staring at her with wide wild eyes. "I'm sorry Mom! I wanted to tell you!" He called, his eyes were starting to water now.

 How did she find out?! Did she see him transform? Actually, when did he transform? Why was everything moving? How… How did she…

 Maddie tilted her head watching the ghost curiously. He did remember his mother than to some degree it seems…Was he still around only because he was looking to confess to his family?

 Actually, now that she was able to see him up close… He really looked like a child… She took a couple of steps forward towards the ghost, who sniffed and wiped his face on his sleeve.

 Despite herself, she asked him "Is that the only reason you're still here? because you never got to tell your family you'd died?" What a horrible thought? A child taken and killed, the parents and family left behind not knowing what happened to him.

 “Not exactly… I mean I always wanted to tell you guys... But I just… There were so many ghosts attacking… Then you were saying Phantom was no good… And I tried to be as good as I can!” he sniffed. He was very much not in the right headspace for this to be happening right now…

 Maddie seemed to shift and shimmer stretch and bend. The teen suddenly found himself tunnelling in on the jumpsuit Maddie was wearing. The teal colour that bled into the black accents. The smooth rubberized feel and slight crinkling as she moved and shifted. It squeaks…. He could just barely make out the zipper under her neck tucked into the collar jostling slightly as she breathes. He remembered being held as a kid and staring up at that zipper… she would cradle him on his back and he would stare up at it and…

 “Phantom what-” Maddie never got to finish as the ghost slammed into her. He curled around her. like a dog jumping into her arms. His ghostly tail wrapped around her arm and around her waist, as he looked up at her with bright green eyes, and overly enlarged pupils.

 “I- I’m so sorry mum…” Danny sniffled out before burying his face in her shoulder tightly squeezing her as he sobs.

 Maddie was trapped by the ghost now, unable to move her arms from the hug, or legs without tripping herself up in his tail. She stares incredulously down at the white mop of hair that was just under her nose… so lifelike and soft, like real human hair…

 Though now that she was right up to him like this, she noticed other oddities too. The texture of his suit and the skin that she could see from his face was incredibly detailed. He had freckles even! She could see every individual hair on his head unlike other ghosts that had more of a blanket effect, whispy and fuzzy but not really hair…

 The thing that really drew her eye, however, was the jumpsuit. Or more specifically the clasp at the back of the ghost's collar… An emblazoned F a distinct design that she knew all too well. One she herself helped Jack to design… This was undoubtedly at one time a proper Fenton jumpsuit…

 Which means this child… this child who was no older than Danny, he was probably one of his friends! In a borrowed jumpsuit no less! But if someone had borrowed a suit and got killed in it somehow surely she’d have noticed…

 The ghost shifted allowing her to move and giving her freedom of her one arm. His core seemed to buzz in his chest as he held her ever tightly. “This is .. nice… I … was so worried about how you’d take this all…. I… I was stupid…” he shuddered as he spoke each word coming out with rapid and haggard breaths.

 “It’s fine... “ Maddie offered, though her mind was a million miles west as she pondered over the clasps. She needed answers… Reaching over into the plants she pulled out something that looked like a queen's Ann’s lace but with bright blue flowers.

 She stuffed Phantom's nose in the flower and watched with mild relief as the ghost’s eyelids drooped and closed. She sighed again as his tail loosened up around her and she slumped against her. “Well, at least I know that one works” She mused aloud.

 Not even a second later Phantom sighs deeply and a bright ring flared at his waist, causing Maddie to yelp and drop the ghost on the ground thinking an attack was building.

 Instead, she was mildly perplexed as it continued to wash over Phantom, bathing the ghost in light as he changed. Everywhere the light washed over, the colours of the ghost seemed to invert until it passed over his head.

 “D-Danny?” Maddie whispered out in surprise. She was thinking of all the experiments she could run but now… her mind stalled as she stared down at the prone form of her son. What happened to make him like this? Was it even really her son or was phantom somehow still awake enough to pull a trick like this? Making her see her Danny instead of…

 Instead of Danny Phantom.

 “Oh-Oh God…” Maddie gasped and slid next to her son, scooping him up into her lap.

 When Danny next woke up it was to a bleary bliss that he wasn’t quite too sure what to make of. “Mum?” He mumbled out as he blinked his glassy blue eyes up at her. Why was his head so fuzzy? It was like he was underwater... “You cryin’?” He asked softly before his eyes widened and he jolted. His core fluttering in his chest. Had something hurt her?

 “It’s okay baby, I know you were so scared before but you don’t have to be any longer… I know… I know I’ve made some terrible mistakes against Phantom… against you… but I promise I’ll do what I can to make you feel safe here…” She sniffed and curled her form around his burying her face into his shoulder.

 Danny’s muddied thoughts spun out to a halt as his memories caught up with him. That’s right! She knew! she knew! And apparently accepted him!

 “Y-You have no idea how much that means to me…” He sniffed too, tucking his chin over her shoulder. And squeezing her tightly just as he had only an hour earlier as Phantom. “I love you so much…”

 “I know hun… I love you too… and I promise I’ll make this up to you any way I can.” She responded in kind. Tomorrow she’ll look into the plants that can help to cure her son, but for right now? She would be content to offer the love and comfort they both so dearly craved.

 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

 Complete

 Word count: 3281

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23457526

[lifeimitatesdoodles]

Sunflower

#DoodlewashAugust2022 prompt: Courage. These days the sunflower is a symbol of courage. Did you know that sunflowers are actually thousands of tiny flowers clustered together and surrounded by petals? Each tiny flower has both male and female organs so they can self-pollinate as well as taking pollen from the wind or insects. Eventually, each flower becomes a seed. Huh. Makes me rethink eating…