Lately it is hard to wrap my mind around a post but Monarchs have been absolutely insistent that I do something about that !
This has been the most spectacular "Monarch" year ever in my garden and all thanks to the hydrangea standard "
Pink Diamond" planted by the deck, reaching up to the banister.
First it was the incredible scent of the flowers .. not overwhelming, just a fine waft of their perfume.
Then the "traffic" of pollinators and Monarchs became amazing.
They share very well most times, unless the buzzing seems to annoy them.
I am more than happy to see these little bees also get the nutrition they need as well.
Wind had been a problem for these tiny miracles, but they are stubborn little creatures and kept at the tree until they had their fill of nectar for each visit.
Their story is profound, considering the migration journey through generations of their kind.
How they do what they do, for such a delicate, tiny creature, that has to battle so many obstacles plus nature herself, to get to their end result, makes you wonder "what isn't possible" ?
The wings are so vibrant yet with an almost transparency that you can see the outline of objects through the other side .. see the shadows ?
I took so many pictures that trying to choose the "right" ones to tell the story has been difficult.
I am so glad I got to see this event in my own garden.
It gives me hope that some turn around is happening for their survival, perhaps thriving at some point, if things keep changing for their benefit.
I will do my part and make sure they have "food" in my garden.
11 comments:
Yay so glad you got to see the butterflies. Such a delightful thing to see(-: I am still waiting for them to show up. So far no Monarchs, but have had several other types.
I know so many people like us trying to leave, plant and encourage Monarchs. As we do this we help all beneficial insects and not just the beautiful ones. It makes me so happy to think that this little bit of effort is truly a help for our world under attack.
Your pictures and story are so beautiful. I don't think I have ever seen this hydrangea around here. I will look for it. Do you have yours planted in full sun. That is always a problem for me. What else in your lovely garden is crying out for press? I can't wait to read about it. Have a great week.
Cindee it has been amazing because in almost 20 years being here, I have never seen so many!
Usually it has been the Black Swallowtail .. although it is hard to see the butterfly , my dill plants have had lost of their "babies" each year .. but this ? has been spectacular :-)
Thank you so much Lisa ;-) and yes ! it is so encouraging to see so many numbers of Monarchs and other pollinators go mad for this hydrangea .. I have a lot of hydrangea and I know they also support the pollinator community .. but this is exactly where we can watch them from the deck doors and it has been stunning to see so many of them ... in a world with constant "bad" news .. this has been wonderful to see .. I so hope it will happen again next year.
This hydrangea gets afternoon sun .. so it isn't all day, will that help you I wonder ?
Wow! I had no idea that Monarchs love Hydrangeas! Great photos and post.
In my country it is a very rare sight to see monarch butterfly. There are many but not of this variety. When I built a house and was creating a garden next to it I paid a big attention to butterflies and bees. I found plenty of plants that attract them because I wanted to do something good for environment and also make my garden look colourful and friendly. The best plant for butterfly garden is echinacea (I have this one in different shades https://gardenseedsmarket.com/echinacea-purpurea-1-bulb.html ). I see that the most insects choose it so if you want more butterflies try growing it.
Oh how I love monarch butterflies, and their amazing tenacity on the migration to Mexico! My sister has a hydrangea of some kind that they love, but they don’t care much about mine. But I have other goodies to please them. I’ve released 38 this year, and have one single chrysalis left to go.
Hi Jason .. it seems there are particular hydrangea they go for because I haven't really seen them on the many other hydrangea I have .. but this one ? WOW ! they love it ;-)
Ann .. I am curious as to what country you are writing from ? if you have time please drop by again and let me know, I am always happy to hear from other citizens of the world who care so much about doing good things for the earth and it's creatures : )
I have echinacea as well .. and many other plant magnets but this one , this year, was a true WOW factor because we rarely see so many Monarchs in the back garden .. so I have been ecstatic about the massing on this hydrangea . it has been such a thrill to see all the pollinators enjoying it so much. It has been a banner year for these beauties and I so appreciate seeing them : )
Hello Robin ;-) it is almost beyond believing what these beauties go through with their migration journey .. I am amazed with how well you have done with cultivating these beauties from egg to butterfly and releasing them .. I was beyond thrilled when I over wintered that Black Swallow Tail caterpillar in my fridge and it flew away that next Spring. It really melts your heart when you see these gorgeous delicate creatures so what they do.
well jeepers! these are some of the finest butterfly photos i have seen! you are brilliant and how many you have drawn into your piece of Eden is amazing - well done you - loved this post xxx
Hello sweetie ! Thank you so much ! ;-) .. it has been simply stunning to see them all and I have loved every second of it .. trying to take pictures when I am hypnotized by them was one heck of a struggle but at least a few came out ? LOL
Would be great to add a little milkweed to the garden for the Monarchs too. Ours attracts them and we have lots of eggs. For several years we have raised some of the caterpillars indoors, as well as Giant and Black Swallowtails which favour the rue, and it is both fun and educational. Ii am sure that the two little girls next door have learned a lot from observing this exercise. Nice to come across your blog.
Hi David ... I actually have that as well with quite a few other butterfly magnets spread through out the garden .. it is amazing to see the development of cat to butterfly .. tiny miracles .. I grow loads of dill in a large container to attract the Black Swallowtail especially .. thank you for stopping by and commenting ;-)
PS ... it is a wonderful gift for kids to see this beautiful transition happening in its stages.
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