Planting Oaks
Lorna and I wandered over the entire property today inspecting trees that we’ve planted. We were particularly interested in the oaks since they can be majestic trees that live for … Continued
Buckeye Butterfly
Late summer asters are the best place to find butterflies right now. The flowers are scattered all along the paths in the prairie. This afternoon I found this Common Buckeye … Continued
Swallowtail on Sunflower
Rosinweed, Silphium integrifolium As summer progresses I find it increasingly difficult to identify the confusing mix of sunflowers. Books such as “Ozark Wildflowers” by Don Kurz really help. The flower here … Continued
Milkweeds for Monarchs
Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus, Chip Taylor at Monarch Watch promotes planting Milkweeds as a way to help save the Monarchs. This afternoon I had a chance to observe first hand … Continued
Buttonbush for Butterflies
Now that the milkweeds are going to seed you have to look elsewhere to find butterflies. The golfball shaped flowers of Buttonbush is one of the best. This shrub is … Continued
Blue Dasher on a Lily Bud
Blue Dasher, Pachydiplax longipennis Pointing the abdomen strait up like this is called obelisking. Dragonflies do that on hot days like today. The raised abdomen reduces the surface area so … Continued
Zabulon Skipper
Zabulon Skipper Skippers are a butterflies with small angular wings and large bodies. The name “Skipper” comes from their rapid darting flight. I photographed this one today feeding on a … Continued
Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia) Milkweeds are heavily promoted because they help feed Monarch Butterflies. The Prairie Garden Trust is home to several milkweeds and they are just starting to flower. The … Continued
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird When I saw a clump of Indian Paintbrush in a recently burned field here at the PGT I knew it would be a magnet for hummingbirds; they can’t … Continued
Dogwood Landscape
Dogwood at The Point The dogwoods are a little late to come on this year. As you can see in this picture the flowers are not fully open. Flowering Dogwoods … Continued