The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and, as an ancient Celtic symbol, represents noble character! These flowering plants are plentiful in Scotland, in the city as well as rural areas. Thistle plants have flowers along with sharp prickles to protect themselves from being eaten, but the flowers are a rich source of nectar attracting all kinds of insects, and the bees especially love them!
I am fascinated over and over again by the variety of shapes, colors, and wonderful smells in any outdoor landscape or garden!
Here are a few "bell-shaped" blossoms. There are bees are in the foxglove and prickly pear (you'll need a good eye to spot her!), but I've never seen the other pink bell flower before. If you know its name, please comment :)
This time of year, there are so many beautiful gardens to visit! Each blossom is breathtaking, its beauty only enhanced by a fuzzy, flighty bee. These lovely shots are from the Château de Losse along the Vézère River in the South-West of France.