butterfly — Page 7

Monarch

July 12, 2019 at 10:50 am by Claudia

I briefly contemplated taking the day off from posting, but then, as Don and I were sitting on the porch talking, we saw this:

Our first monarch! Actually, Don saw it first. Yesterday, I saw an eastern swallowtail, so I initially thought it had come back. But it was a monarch – feeding on the milkweed.

He was moving quickly, so I did the best I could with my iPhone.

We were so excited!

I spent at least three hours shooting water at whiteflies yesterday, after discovering they were everywhere in my garden – even in some of the potted plants – which is incredibly disheartening. I found an insecticidal soap – made by Safer – that is used in organic gardens (I happened to have it in my cupboard) and is meant for aphids and whiteflies. I’m planning to use it on some of the problem areas, but not everywhere. One of my fears with this kind of thing is that I’ll also kill beneficial insects and I hate doing that. I’ll definitely not use it on the milkweed, but will continue to spray water on the infestations, because I don’t want to kill the beginnings of a monarch. I’m going to do some more research in the meantime. I don’t want to see all my plants destroyed by these dang whiteflies. So I have to figure out how to eliminate them without huring other bugs and/or my plants.

Any thoughts?

Meanwhile, while I was standing near the side of the porch, I saw this:

And this:

The garden beds on the side of the house are exactly what I want: very densely planted, full of cottage garden flowers. Now, if I could get the other beds to do the same thing, I’d be a happy camper.

I think this bed does well because it’s partially shaded. So was the big garden bed until we lost that huge limb on the maple.

Anyway. The water battle with the whiteflies will continue today. It’s tedious. But I’m like a mom protecting her children. Don’t mess with my babies!

Happy Friday.

Butterflies and Photos

August 13, 2018 at 10:28 am by Claudia

I was running around, trying to get a photo of this beautiful monarch who kept flitting from one milkweed plant to another. So sweet.

At the same time, I saw a black swallowtail on the limelight hydrangea, but he was too fast for me.

I had 3 inches chopped off my hair yesterday by my friend, Dawn. She charges $10 for a cut. (Do you believe it?) I always end up tipping her $10 as well because she works long, long hours and deserves it. The cut was overdue as I tend to let my hair grow until it’s out of control – not a good idea when you have baby fine hair. I feel much better. Then, because Don was off taking pictures with his Crown Graphic, I went to the bookstore for the first time in a while and bought some magazines and a few books.

It’s been rainy for a few days now and today is no different. I’m over it.

Don has been getting some great pictures. He has learned how to get the kind of picture he wants in cloudy or sunny weather. He’s figured out framing. He’s honed in on his particular style. He has done great work for the past few days and I think he’s ready to start asking for a donation for each picture.

I’ll share a couple with you. What these digital pictures of his photos don’t show you is the luminous quality of the Fuji (Polaroid) film. It glows. It’s gorgeous. The digital camera can’t capture that, but let me tell you, when you’re holding that photo in your hand, it’s unlike anything else.

The film is expensive because it’s hard to manufacture and Polaroid stopped making it several years ago. Don has been investing in it, so he can hoard as much as possible until someone else comes up with an equivalent for Fuji’s version, which is still in stock, but will eventually be phased out.

Love this one.

We’re getting a little reflection from the iPhone lens, but you get the idea.

These are all a little lighter than what you’re seeing, but we were on the porch this morning and it’s raining. You can see more of his work on his IG account and in his stories.

I’ve never seen any film like this film. It’s beautiful.

So proud of his work ethic and what he has achieved in a few short weeks.

Happy Monday.

Wednesday Morning

August 8, 2018 at 8:41 am by Claudia

I’m feeling a bit under the weather with all this humidity. Since I’m allergic to molds and mildew, an extended period of high humidity takes its toll.

I’m over it.

I did manage to get out yesterday to water the plants and take some pictures. Then it was back inside with the air conditioning. And Don and I moved our morning coffee location to the front porch to avoid the mosquitoes in the Secret Garden.

A couple of monarchs have been gracing us with their presence. I think they’ve recently emerged from the milkweed. They flit, they fly, they land on things and move on as if they’re just discovering this world. It’s lovely to watch. There is something about them that is magical. And to know that the milkweed that I let grow wherever it wants to on this property is part of the reason for their existence makes me very happy.