The life of zinnia

The zinnia buds are so unusual. That black just looks out of place. I love it, so I just keep taking photographs of the buds. Probably have another post with just the buds. Side view with the zinnia middle trying to pop right through.
So many different colors out of one package of seeds. Although I cannot guarantee that since I plant several packages of zinnia. I want to attract the butterflies.

Attract is putting it mildly. Most of my butterfly photographs are at the zinnia blooms.

Then they begin to fade.

This is what they look like at the end, when the wind is sending seeds everywhere for next year.

I am tired of the cold, just had to remind myself what to expect when the cold is gone again.