Peony

The peonies have popped open!  I didn't see many ants tending to them this year but they opened just the same.

F Number	8.0
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/640
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO	200
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Peony

The ants that tend this peony have performed their miracle yet again, and the beautiful flowers have emerged.

A more conventional peony

Here's a more conventional look at a peony. There's that little ant, still tending his garden!

Ant tending peony

I tried quite a few shots, but this was the best one available. The ants just won't stop moving!

I don't know why, but the ants constantly work on the peonies. From the moment the first tiny buds form until the last petal falls, ants are constantly roaming the plant, paying special attention to the buds and blossoms. It's a very curious thing.

Curious, yes, but I'm always reassured when I see the ants begin their work in the spring because I know the peonies aren't far away!

The peonies are open

The weather was threatening today, but never actually rained. And so I had an opportunity to look at the peonies in my side yard. Not only do they smell wonderful, but they're photogenic, too!

I took the opportunity to visit the Heartland Peony Society's FAQ (frequently asked questions) to get the scoop on why ants crawl all over the bugs before they open. Apparently, there's nectar and they like it!