Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardening: DAILY BUTTERFLIES Page 34, 1 by mellielong

mellielong wrote:
Well, I had my camera on me today but it didn't do any good as everyone was doing fly-bys. I was out watering my seedlings (I scattered like five kinds of zinnia, some coreopsis, Bidens something-or-other from Select Seeds). Seriously, things are going to come up and I know I'm going to think, "Did I do that?" So anyway, I was watering and that Tiger ST fkew by me about three times. It's probably not the same one as a few weeks ago as this one seemed smaller, but they all enjoy tormenting me. Then, a Gulf Frit flew by and I even saw a Zebra Longwing! The Blues are back on the plumbagos but I get dizzy watching them. I was just about to come back in the house when a huge Monarch flew by me! That's the first Monarch I've seen in my yard since...I can't remember!

The big USF spring plant sale is this weekend! After I raid the bromeliad booths, I'm going to load up on butterfly plants. I have added that indigo to my list. A lot of the vendors are local plant clubs so you get a variety you never see at the commercial places. My favorite vendors are the Bromeliad Guild (super low prices!) and the Florida Native Plant Society. USF has another plant festival in June that is specifically "Butterfly, Herbs, and Native Plants". Lots to look forward to!

My Orange-Barred Sulphur made his chrysalis, and it's shaped like the Cloudless Sulphur. However, it's much bigger and instead of being yellow or pink it's this great shade of green! The little yellow/black blur below is another caterpillar.