Too often, I fall into “oh, isn’t it pretty” mode while strolling the garden. Yes, I stop to admire the butterflies on the garden’s many Joe Pye weeds (Eutrochium). I’m astonished by the varied bees and wasps on the large clump of mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum, below) at its month long, late summer peak. But, quieter moments too frequently go without notice.

On this cool, breezy October afternoon, I am cataloging the various camellias in bloom. The pink and white flowers are superb and welcomed as the cold of winter approaches, but I notice specks of debris in the brilliant yellow stamens while observing a photo. With the photo zoomed, I see these are ants, undoubtedly feeding and pollinating the camellia as the season for flying pollinators is winding down.

A day later, I see ants on each of this camellia’s flowers that are within reach, but none on other nearby camelias (below).

Bumblebees and carpenter bees are slowing down as temperatures are falling. A few weeks ago, bees were moving briskly between toad lily (Tricyrtis) flowers, often robbing nectar by chewing through the base of conical flowers too narrow for their large bodies (below). It is worthwhile for the gardener to slow his pace to notice such things.