Saturday, July 15, 2017

Bring on the butterflies

Here we are, halfway through July. We're right in the middle of the hot, humid days of high summer. And now the flowers that really bring in the butterflies are starting to bloom.
The double-blooming Susan is really showing off. I had one of these last year, but I planted it too close to the blanket flower and it got crowded out and died before I noticed. This year, it's got lots of space and its taking full advantage.
The cardinal flower I bought a few weeks back is getting ready to bloom. It's a native wildflower and is supposed to be a favourite of the hummingbird.
 The Bee Balm has gotten really tall (almost 3 feet) and is just starting to show off. I thinned it out this year, giving some to Mom and putting some in the side garden.
 The Cupid's Dart is loving the weather this year. Normally I don't get blooms until later, and then only one or two at a time.
If you want to attract butterflies to your yard - this is the plant - Echnicea (or Coneflower). This particular plant was started from seed several years ago and now its thriving - though I added several new varieties this year because it's and absolute butterfly magnet.
And last but not least, the white Liatris (sometimes called Gay Feather or Blazing Star) is starting to bloom. I have this in both white and purple. Like the Cardinal flower, it's native to this area and a great addition to a pollinator garden.

Now... if only I could get a few good snaps of those flying beauties....

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking we'll be seeing butterfly photos soon. If you can catch the bees, you can catch the butterflies, right???

Although I guess butterflies can be much more flitty!

Seajaes said...

What ever happened with the garden contest?
Cheryl

Mereknits said...

I have had very few butterflies this year, I wonder where they are?

kathy b said...

Love them all, but the Cupid's dart is so pretty!! I want some

Delighted Hands said...

All beautiful! In the next few years, this will really be an established garden, though, it is hard to think it can be prettier than now!

Araignee said...

So many varieties! Your yard must be gorgeous.
My Black Eyed Susan is blooming and I am beyond happy. The flowers are small but in this shade every bit of color helps.

The Well Fed Wheel said...

I'm waiting on the butterflies too. I have the Bee Balm but sounds like I need to get some Coneflower.

Vera said...

Everything is so beautiful Val. We saw our first butterflies last week.

bittenbyknittin said...

Yesterday I saw an eastern black swallowtail (I think) and today a monarch, the first butterflies besides the usual paper whites. Good luck with yours!