Celebrating the ordinary
My friend, Jannine, and I recently enjoyed the Midwest Native Plant Conference at Dayton, Ohio. I learned a lot from presenters and other attendees. The conference concluded with field trips, and Jannine and I chose the 112-acre Huffman Prairie which is located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. I had hoped for blossoms and was not disappointed.
I continue to be intrigued by our backyard moths. I’m now seeing several of these small (about one inch) TIger Moths (Apantesis phalerata or A. nais) near an outside light at night.
I was surprised to see this one during the day on a Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) bud, and delighted when it spread its forewings and allowed me to see the colorful hindwings. Continue reading “Small “tigers” in the backyard”
What a great day! We had beautiful weather and ten beautiful Monarch Waystations. 250 people bought tickets, and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the tour.
I was delighted to see this female monarch in our backyard yesterday nectaring on blazing stars (Liatris) and then laying an egg on our common milkweed. It was almost as though she was saying ‘thank you’!
I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved, including Beate Popkin, president of the Lexington Chapter of Wild Ones, the board members, the Monarch Waystation Tour committee, and 45 volunteers who made it run so smoothly.
I had fun, and I’ve heard similar feedback from the other garden owners. We appreciated the opportunity to share our gardens with other folks who are genuinely interested in learning more about how to help Monarchs and other pollinators. Thanks to all!
I hope you’re planning to join our Wild Ones Monarch Waystation Garden Tour this Saturday.
Susan Durisek-Smith’s article in last Saturday’s Lexington Herald-Leader is a great source of information, and you can read more on the Lexington Wild Ones’ website.
I look forward to sharing our garden. I’ll also have some Cecropia moth caterpillars and, if they cooperate, a Pipevine butterfly or two. Hope you can join us!