praying mantis

You really have to look closely to see the mantis as he became part of the design element of the Celtic cross. You have to look closely when they are in your garden as well - they are so still, they blend in with the foliage. He was a fun summer discovery!

Hummingbird Mint

Once in a while, I use the Celtic cross feature in my kaleidoscope program. So here starts a series of crosses - this one is a flower of agastache or as one garden store called it "hummingbird mint", wonderful subtle colors.

one more grasshopper design

OK, one more variation on the grasshopper. I liked the distinctive black and yellow on his mid body, more of his wings are in this picture - they are translucent so don't show up much. I liked the two overlapping squares in the middle and the patterns on the legs.

another grasshopper mandala

If you look at the grasshopper he has green on his backside. The number of patterns on this one grasshopper are just amazing!

grasshopper

Had a grasshopper pose for me in the garden this morning. He has so many colors and patterns on his one inch body. Amazing!

stargazer lily

After watching the Olympics last night I should have saved the hibiscus mandala for the opening explosion of color. But the Stargazer Lily is strong in the color department too. My lilies have come and gone. I always wish the flowers would have lasted longer!