Most of my natives are just getting started but I have several New England asters that are 4 feet tall or more and this is their best year yet! Monarchs chase smaller butterflies away and fly back to sip some more! I saw 4 or 5 different kinds of butterflies on one "bush".
I don't know of one for southeast Iowa — although I tried making my own once. It never became very complete. I see that Amazon offers Butterflies of the Midwest. I've never seen it, so I can't evaluate it. I usually like the Peterson Guides. Maybe the Peterson First Guide To Butterflies And Moths is what you're looking for.
I grew dozens of these from seed last winter in a milk jug! I could only pot up a limited number and ended up sharing them with friends. The ones I planted here are growing wonderfully, even though I have limited sunshine. I am looking forward to seeing them bloom, maybe next year!
How wonderful that you propagated some, vastly increasing the success of the parent plants. I'm sure your friends will enjoy them for the rest of their lives. Yes, they should bloom for you next year, and if not then for sure the next year. Worth the wait. Nice work, and congratulations!
Hmmmm.... Problem: I can't decide if I enjoy your photography, your writing-style, your love of nature, your way of sharing, your life-style.... As in:
"the little cupped-hands of the Aster leaves curl around the stem... I wonder if they know how much I love them." Awwwwww.....:<))
Good to know! I mentioned your caterpillar post yesterday, thinking about native plants as part of an ecological community that's invisible to most of us. I admire your camera work--making these communities visible.
Such a gorgeous photo of the common buckeye butterfly with the asters! -Ari from Texas
Thank you Ari!
Comment #2 from me....
The deer also love them. Rrrrrrrr. I have some caged and some fenced in and I'm spraying them too.
But even the ones pruned by deer are blooming now thst they're more protected.
Most of my natives are just getting started but I have several New England asters that are 4 feet tall or more and this is their best year yet! Monarchs chase smaller butterflies away and fly back to sip some more! I saw 4 or 5 different kinds of butterflies on one "bush".
I need a butterflies of SE Iowa field guide!
I don't know of one for southeast Iowa — although I tried making my own once. It never became very complete. I see that Amazon offers Butterflies of the Midwest. I've never seen it, so I can't evaluate it. I usually like the Peterson Guides. Maybe the Peterson First Guide To Butterflies And Moths is what you're looking for.
Lovely.
Beautiful photo of the Buckeye Butterfly on the aster flowers. Thanks for sharing this with us.
You're still in Montana? I miss you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I grew dozens of these from seed last winter in a milk jug! I could only pot up a limited number and ended up sharing them with friends. The ones I planted here are growing wonderfully, even though I have limited sunshine. I am looking forward to seeing them bloom, maybe next year!
How wonderful that you propagated some, vastly increasing the success of the parent plants. I'm sure your friends will enjoy them for the rest of their lives. Yes, they should bloom for you next year, and if not then for sure the next year. Worth the wait. Nice work, and congratulations!
Hmmmm.... Problem: I can't decide if I enjoy your photography, your writing-style, your love of nature, your way of sharing, your life-style.... As in:
"the little cupped-hands of the Aster leaves curl around the stem... I wonder if they know how much I love them." Awwwwww.....:<))
Thank you Susan. You are always so appreciative, you're a joy to write for.
Your photos are remarkable, Diane. I saw a buckeye here this morning. The next time I see it, I'll think of you!
Thank you! And thank you also for recommending My Gaia. Several of your Place & Thyme readers have subscribed.
Good to know! I mentioned your caterpillar post yesterday, thinking about native plants as part of an ecological community that's invisible to most of us. I admire your camera work--making these communities visible.