Dahlia Clarion

The nearly black foliage and rounded lemon yellow petals of this dahlia species make for a passing resemblance of its little pollinator friend. With a blooming season that lasts from mid-summer until the first frosts, this bitty bee has plenty of time to collect pollen and nectar ahead of winter. But you can nearly hear the words as the wee fella buzzes softly to himself and repeats them into the ear of this sweet flower, “Come what may, make the most of today.”

Words and images by Michael J. Hall