Last summer, hummingbirds, butterflies and bees nectared in the pale pink blossoms of common milkweed that grows in our back garden. Now in mid-November, the thick, fibrous stalks and leaves have died back. Last week, the rough, oval pods split open and released their small, coffee-brown seeds, each one surrounded by an arc of silk to sail it on the wind. They seem such delicate creations to be floating November’s raw skies and, for me, symbolize the beauty and life that will return next spring.
The delicate-looking seeds of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) escape their pods.
Before the pod opens, the milkweed seeds and their silky “parachutes” are tightly arranged in orderly rows around a central column.
Last July, a bumblebee fertilized the blossoms that became today’s seeds.
Nature, Garden, Life 
Thanks, Beth — gorgeous pictures! and love your words, as usual.
Hi Kay, thank you for your kind comments and for visiting my blog!
Beth
Breath taking. Photos make me feel like I am there.
Thank you, Mary. The seeds are floating around the backyard today and look lovely in spite of the January-like temperatures!
wonderful photos
Hi Mitza, thank you for visiting my blog. I am enjoying yours as well — especially your flower and insect photos!
Beth
Hi Beth, I’m happy you visited my blog and like my flower and insect photos. I hope to see some more flower photos from you and you will probably see some more from me. Wishing you a nice week-end, regards Mitza
Beth, these photos are simply beautiful, and “simply” is very important here. The beauty of such a simple thing – just a seed pod and some seeds, everyday things that most of us would not even notice. Your vision, photos and words are an elegant gift especially for those of us who would otherwise walk by, never experiencing the beauty of nature. Thank you.
Hi Linda, thank you for your thoughtful comments and for making time to read my blog. I am grateful to know that it brings you some joy. Thank you!
Beth
Beth, this is beautiful! I continue to enjoy each post.
Sue
Hi Sue, thank you for following my blog and for your comments. I am so glad that you enjoy reading it!
Beth