The Reforming Taker: A Vision of Monarchs

Part of my vision for my new planting involves these guys:

Monarch Butterfly on the way south to Mexico.  

Each year, they migrate over the farm, and a large part of the country on their way to Mexico. It is my understanding from some of my studies this summer (you have to something when you can't get out and garden) that they are having issues with destruction of habitat and host species both here, and in their migration destinations. I want to do something for them in some small way.

So, part of my native plantings in the new bed will be Butterfly weed. The emerging young must have it for food.

The Monarchs also like oak trees and use them in their life cycle including for cover at night on their way south, I've noticed. That part I've got covered, since it is a native tree here that covers a lot of area.  Enjoy your gardening vision, where ever you are.  :) ~JB was here.

After the Drought: The Vision (still) Lives

It was a long, and can I say, horrific, summer this year. Things became not so much about additions or things growing and flourishing, but more just a case of survival. Every day I armed myself with a watering can, sprinkler, and it became almost a full time job. Needless to say, I haven't written anything since.

We (my gardens and I) did survive, and I learned some lessons. Even my little oak trees that I watered every day, and my little Loblolly Pine that I got from the MDC last spring at the garden show lived, so it was worth all my efforts.

Some things provided bright spots in the depressing oppressive heat. I don't think my roses were ever more beautiful. And my garden, while the yields were severely depressed, had terrific flavor and quality to the yield it did give.

I hosted some animal guests, too. I gave help to the birds, chipmunks and rabbits that came to my yard in the way of water and food. They were also a cheerful, funny, and cute respite to the severe prolonged heat. I'm proud of my efforts to encourage bluebirds and this year they had great success in my new nest boxes.

They say there could be another year of this drought. I'm planning accordingly in a few ways.

One way in particular is, I have this one flower bed that needs renovation.  I studied a lot about butterflies this year, photographing and doing something of a "Census" to see what varieties live in my surroundings. I am planning to make the flower bed in question into a butterfly area next year. I'll be using natives in the planting that can handle heat and low water requirements. Yesterday, I ordered my perennial natives, and I sketched my ideas on a sheet of typing paper. It won't be exact but it proves something definitively about my garden enthusiasm AND my vision for the future. The visions lives and is very healthy. As long as this is the case, I'll continue to garden with zeal and vision for a beautiful future with living things. I still love to raise things. Some things never change. :) ~JB was here.