This is my favorite blooming bush that we have on our property. It is a large Azalea. It was here when we moved in, and by the size of it, I am pretty sure it’s been here for a long time. It only blooms for a few days a year and is early this season. I always try to take a good picture of it, but I can never seem to capture its beauty in pixel form.

I know how common a shrub this is, but this particular one gets me every year. Its beautiful buds cover it in a canopy of pink/purple. If you look closely they are also painted with a deep purple color in each cup. At dusk, it looks as though it is glowing turning a bright purple color.

While trying to capture it’s beauty, I suddenly got a visitor.

This guy buzzed around this bush, bobbing and diving into each bloom. I didn’t realize until about half way through his dance that my shutter was set lower than it should be missing a still frame of his busy wings.

He especially liked this bloom and spent a few more seconds to enjoy it.

It was so cute to see all the pollen dusting his beautiful black and yellow fuzz.

Another great year of blooms and new friends from my favorite blooming bush!

What are you especially enjoying in your yard right now?