Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) has a delicious fragrance and attracts a diversity of wildlife to shuttle its pollen about. Here at Flower Hill Farm there are numerous stands of milkweed in the fields and gardens. When the dainty balls of florets begin to pop, an audience of butterflies, bees, ants, and birds take notice. Spiders settle in and wait but these predators are not the only danger to visiting insects. Some of the pollen sacs or saddlebags attach and will not come off the tiny feet of … [Read more...] about The Allure of Milkweed
Butterflies in the Gardens
Flower Hill Farm Families of Butterflies from 2014 — There were many butterflies in the gardens of Flower Hill Farm in 2014 but there were varied species missing too. I missed each butterfly like a dear friend who moves away and will not be around to share the apple blossoms or champagne lunches. For now, I celebrate the butterflies that made it and were on wing within our gardens last season. The showy swallowtails always stir the currents with their large wings and are easily noted around … [Read more...] about Butterflies in the Gardens
Metamorphosis of Butterflies from 2014
The Metamorphosis of Butterflies from 2014 came together from my finally digging through archives of Flower Hill Farm photographs from last summer. Witnessing the metamorphosis of butterflies is a treasured ritual I share with thousands of other individuals who hold dear these remarkable beings. Raising butterflies nourishes my imagination and opens it to change and an ever present sense of wonder. Hour by hour and day by day convey countless small miracles to observe – bringing light and hope … [Read more...] about Metamorphosis of Butterflies from 2014
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ GRAND FINALE
The series Flower Hill Farm Butterflies (all sightings and most photos are from 2011 with exception to a few from other years) along with a few other Lepidoptera . . . comes to its final metamorphosis . . . and end . . . just as many buds are beginning to unfurl and reports of 2012 butterfly sightings begin. My knowledge and respect for these butterflies and moths has grown over the last fifteen or so posts. It was lovely spending all of January, February and most of March editing photos of … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ GRAND FINALE
Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ GRAND FINALE
The series Flower Hill Farm Butterflies (all sightings and most photos are from 2011 with exception to a few from other years) along with a few other Lepidoptera . . . comes to its final metamorphosis . . . and end . . . just as many buds are beginning to unfurl and reports of 2012 butterfly sightings begin. My knowledge and respect for these butterflies and moths has grown over the last fifteen or so posts. It was lovely spending all of January, February and most of March … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm BUTTERFLIES OF 2011 ~ GRAND FINALE
