Does any one else want to share their garden photos?
This message was edited Jul 23, 2008 2:26 PM
Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens
Can't resist the invitation to share. Here's a day in the life of my butterfly garden...
http://www.centralfloridagarden.com/images/2008%2007%2001%20B%20Garden/index.html
Beautiful, bsewall!
Very Nice! : )
My gardens are in full bloom right now-I'll try to post somer updated photos next week. My 2yr old GD saw a Monarch on some cone flowers this afternoon and got so excited, she was jumping up and down saying "I saw a butterfly"!
I'm looking forward to those pictures! Isn't it so cute when little ones get excited about the butterflys our gardens attract? One of the reasons I do it is so my DDs can grow up with the love of nature that I think comes with it. For them and me. : )
My garden looks completely different now. I think it's funny when I read garden articles that say most peoples gardens are done by summer. I have found when selecting plants for butterflies and hummers it is the opposite problem. There are so many more things that bloom late. Here is a section of my garden now with Anise Hyssop, Wild Bergamont and coneflowers blooming. The coneflowers have been more popular this year than ever before. : )
Meridith-- what kinds of coneflowers did you plant this year?
I have Magnus. They are big but are hidden by other taller weedy plants so the butterflies aren't stopping for them.
My coneflowers are just from a burpee seed pack, I grew them 2 years ago so this year they look much better than last. I think the butterflies think so too. I think they give a mix of all different ones because none of them look exactly the same.
Okay everyone it is prime butterfly season here. Is it where you are? Where are all your updated garden photos? lol
Here is one of mine with Joe Pye starting to bloom and Meadow phlox next to it. : )
I've been chasing BFs around the yard but none will sit still long enough for a photo when I have my camera ready. I've been chasing Monarchs and an Eastern Black Swallowtail. There are some white BFs also.
Gary
Hi Gary, I have the same problem. This is what works if anything for me. First you get to about 4 or 5 ft away, then just take one big step at a time towards them pausing inbetween, then slowly raise the camera and snap a pic even if your too far away, the crop on photo software can help you out if it is within a reasonable distance. Now without lowering your camera, slowly take another good step towards them pause and snap a pic. : ) Usually by the third or fourth they fly off, that is when you need to stay really still. They usually flutter around my head a few times and sometimes even fly a bit away, but usually if they really like the flowers they were on they come back in a minute. The second time they always seem less camera shy. It's almost like they determined you won't try to eat them and they can't scare you off and they start to ignore you : ) That is how I do it any way lol! My camera sucks for zoom so the only way I get good pictures is if I am inches away from them. I think if the same butterflies come back they are kinda used to me and I get to get better pics because they don't scare off as easy. : ) Good luck!