my 'ironweed' is blooming! yay!
it's a florida native...and over the past few years, i've decided to treat my
gardens with a 'survival of the fittest' attitude.
i used to cover everything in the winter
when it dropped to freezing or below. not anymore.
when i'm looking for a plant or two to add to the yard,
i now tend to go for native...the ones that can survive the summer & winter
on their own...plants that will invite butterflies
and provide food for caterpillars.
'red spotted purple'
blue-eyed grass
if it's a native...
then it's sure to attract all the little local critters!
'long tailed skipper'
'anole'
black-eyed susan
if it's a weed...if it has little flowers...
if those flowers attract the butterflies...then it stays!
'gulf fritillary'
the native plants help to conserve water once established...
and they provide food & shelter for all the little critters.
the magical dragonfly
'buckeye'
of course, if you have the butterflies...then chances are...
there's a caterpillar or two hanging out somewhere nearby!
above: 'checkered skipper' caterpillar
below: a 'checkered skipper'
beauty berry
a 'fiery skipper'
'hackberry'
i hate to leave a question mark here...but i searched...and can't be sure!
maybe...an 'army worm' caterpillar?
'clouded skipper'
butterflyweed
'gulf fritillary'
oOo
well, that's a wrap!
literally.
some thing has rolled itself up in a fern leaf...and it looks as though
it's about ready to unroll...and fly...
have a safe journey & enjoy the ride!
laura
preview...next time...
crystal rainbows
and a BIG THANK YOU to
lorna @ Artymess
AND
cindy @ Bug Safari
oh, and maybe some spiders and mushrooms and owls,
OH MY!
gotta get to an early appointment...will play catch-up later!
:) lk
:) lk
