I don't give flowers very often - cut flowers from the florist will die within days, so, if I give flowers they are usually living flowers in a pot where they can grow and bloom for years.

But let's be honest, flowers look best outside in a garden or out in the wild. I wouldn't cut them for any reason. They should stay where they have decided to live.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I take this opportunity to post a few leftover images from the past year. I have taken these photos during Spring and Summer at several locations near home or around my parent's house.

Greeting
Sweet as the summer breeze
Bright as the summer sea,
Pure as the breath of flowers
Is the wish I wish to thee;
High as the heaven's blue arch,
Staunch as the woodland tree,
Sure as the spring time's coming,
Is the love I bear to thee.
by Annette Wynne

The flower was still sleeping that morning, the closed blossom is covered by morning dew and nicely backlit by the early morning sun.

The bees have been awake for a while and are already busy collecting nectar from the flowers.

Hearts Were Made to Give Away
Hearts were made to give away
On Valentine's good day;
Wrap them up in dainty white,
Send them off the thirteenth night.
Any kind of heart that's handy—
Hearts of lace, and hearts of candy,
Hearts all trimmed with ribbands fine
Send for good St. Valentine
Hearts were made to give away
On Valentine's dear day.
by Annette Wynne

The bees haven't been the only ones searching for nectar on the flowers - thick and thin Hoverflies were having their breakfast in my parents flower garden.
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I haven't photographed many butterflies last year - this Lycaenidae Butterfly was on a Purple Flower in y parent's garden.

During a morning walk I have found a Bombus Pascuorum - the Bumblebee was collecting nectar from a clover blossom.
