Observations

Milkweed Hosts Monarch Butterflies

Common milkweed not only provides nectar for bees and other pollinators, but it is the larval host plant for Monarch butterflies. According to landscaping expert David Beaulieu, “Asclepias is the only plant family that serves as the host plant for monarch butterfly egg laying. The monarch larvae, the hatchling caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves. … Continue reading Milkweed Hosts Monarch Butterflies

Spherical flower clusters of the common milkweed plant (Asclepias Syriaca) are called umbels. (Photo (c) Hilda M. Morrill)

June is National Rose Month!

The month of June is not only known as National Pollinator Month and National Perennial Month, but also as National Rose Month, among others. Our garden roses are amazing this month, especially our ‘Queen Elizabeth’ roses. Also enchanting are the irises, climbing hydrangeas, viburnums, Kousa dogwood bracts, baptisia, digitalis, and clematis. Incidentally, I recently learned … Continue reading June is National Rose Month!