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
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
The second installment of Butterflies of 2012 features three members of the Papilionidae family. Swallowtails regularly make their home in our gardens and fields and seeing their wings lit up like stained glass floating about the plants is always a delight. Last year was very exciting for a rare sighting of a Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes here at Flower Hill Farm. Butterfly enthusiasts from all over Massachusetts were reporting first time ever sightings of the magnificent giants. … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
The second installment of Butterflies of 2012 features three members of the Papilionidae family. Swallowtails regularly make their home in our gardens and fields and seeing their wings lit up like stained glass floating about the plants is always a delight.Last year was very exciting for a rare sighting of a Giant Swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes here at Flower Hill Farm. Butterfly enthusiasts from all over Massachusetts were reporting first time ever sightings of the magnificent … [Read more...] about Flower Hill Farm Butterflies of 2012 ~ Swallowtails
Early June Garden Fragrances Merge ~ A Potpourri of Pinks With Touches of White ~ Roses and Pink Lilacs
Quietly strolling through the early June gardens . . . while a gentle breeze whispers and restores, numerous birds sing and dart here and there, Tree Swallows silently sweep the sky, dozens of butterflies flit about the shrubberies and layers of fragrances merge . . . feels quite close to heavenly. Rosa Rugosa and Miss Canada Lilac are very compatible in color and scent and are truly the flora stars of this late spring rambling garden. Rosa Rubrifloia 'Glauca', Rosa Rugosa 'Purple … [Read more...] about Early June Garden Fragrances Merge ~ A Potpourri of Pinks With Touches of White ~ Roses and Pink Lilacs