Blog

Open Native Plant Yard – Sat., July 17

Front yard - summer 2021Our native plant yard is now 16 years old, and we’re hosting a drop-in for anyone who is interested.

I still remember when we began, how much it helped to see other native plant gardens. We also enjoy visiting with others who are interested in encouraging butterflies and other valuable pollinators.

We’d be glad for you to join us!

Saturday, July 17, 2021
9 a.m. – 12 noon
Harry and Betty Hall
224 Leawood Dr., Lexington KY  40502
Click for Google Maps

Rain date: Saturday, July 24, 2021 – same time.

Questions?  Contact me.

Blazing Stars and Tiger Swallowtail

The tall, purple spikes of Blazing Stars (Liatris) are now the brightest spot in the backyard and we’ve been enjoying them immensely.

We aren’t the only ones who like these flowers. Various bees and other small insects are frequent visitors, as well as a hummingbird.

We’ve also been watching several Tiger Swallowtail butterflies as they float gracefully from one spike to another. Continue reading “Blazing Stars and Tiger Swallowtail”

Sundrops, Bubble, and a Hoverfly

After a much appreciated one-inch rain, I decided to check out the back yard and blow a few bubbles. I always enjoy bubbles and they are especially amazing after a rain when everything is still wet and the humidity is high.

I was intrigued by the way these two Sundrop blossoms (Oenothera fruticosa) held this bubble.

Continue reading “Sundrops, Bubble, and a Hoverfly”

Butterfly and Native Plant Resources and Images

I appreciate everyone who is giving monarchs and other butterflies a helping hand, and I want to support them however I can. One way to do that is by sharing resources I’ve created and photos I’ve taken.

For example, I managed to photograph a monarch laying eggs in our backyard in 2006, and the amazing transformations that occurred from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and finally to a new adult.

I’ve recently added a web page with butterfly and native plant resources for educators and anyone interested in butterflies. It includes:

  • Monarch life cycle
  • How to create a Monarch Way Station
  • 25 Kentucky native plants – for beginners who want to attract butterflies

In addition to the PDFs, photos on my website may be downloaded for educational purposes. If you need higher resolution images for printing, please contact me.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Van Gogh