second season of monarchs
apparently, monarch butterflies reproduce both in the spring and fall. This past spring we excitedly watched a few butterflies transform into adults. Then a month or two later, we decided to build a butterfly garden into our landscape.
A portion of that landscape plan is complete and this past weekend we excitedly watched about 20 monarch caterpillars leave their food plants in search of a protected location to complete their metamorphosis.
In about 9 or 10 days, these lovelies will wake up with wings and begin a journey to a tropical place for the winter.
And in the spring, our butterfly garden will again be full of tender, fresh milkweed leaves for a new generation of caterpillars.
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Meanwhile, my poorly planned perennial garden has been replaced with a cobblestone extension to the poolside hardscape to hold a collection of potted plants and sea shells.
A newly planted perennial garden replaced the previously unruly collection of potted plants, and the garden bench is now offering a relaxing seat near the kitchen garden.
The pretty view from the kitchen door reminds me how much I love tending to the plants, providing a welcoming habitat for our backyard audubon society friends.
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In other news, we had another skunk spray incident this weekend too. Our experience last year taught us something about responding appropriately and thankfully, we neutralized the odor rather quickly. Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking that tomato juice is the answer. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap is the best remedy.
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thank you for reading 🙂 wishing you a wonderful week ahead
home sweet homemade 
Fascinating information about the metamorphosis of caterpillars, Diane!
WOW…what an AWESOME photo collage! You really got some crystal clear images of them!
And your garden is just lovely! Love the use of your seashells. You truly have such an amazing gift for plants.
“Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking that tomato juice is the answer. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap is the best remedy.”
Thanks for sharing that because I had no idea?!? Isn’t it something how many wonderful uses there are for hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? I use them both to brush my teeth.
Have a wonderful Monday, my friend!
X to you and Cristybella!
Ah yes–that second season! And you got to be a part of both…..how cool is that. It’ll be interesting where you discover the creatures given they’ve a whole playground to play in. How cool……and I hope you didn’t spend a whole lot on those milkweed plants. LOL I’da dug up a whole ditch for ya for nothin’! 😉
Sounds to me like the garden is bringing you great joy–and that makes it all worth while.
Tomato juice is out and hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and dish soap is in–got it. But, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll pass on having that close encounter! Been there, done that…..prefer to not get to do it again, tyvm!