Butterfly Field Of Dreams

[Mrsclem]

I was inspired by another member to do a combination butterfly & native plant garden. The area is 25'x25' and contained 14 individual beds. The framing has since rotted out and the area is overgrown. It has been planted a a veggie garden several times ( animals enjoyed the salad bar) as well as a formal garden. The biggest problem is clearing the beds of the grasses that were planted as well as an invasive Clematis vine and honeysuckle. Photos of the area as cleanup was started. The garden has 2 beds of peonies as well as 3 beds of raspberries and blackberries.

 

[Mrsclem]

I have been shopping at every plant sale and local shop to try and find plants that will attract butterflies, in particular, monarchs as we are close to the migration path here.

 

[Mrsclem]

Getting everything cleared out and getting an idea of what to put where. The big issue is going to be the ongoing problem with the area. We live in the woods! Deer, rabbits, groundhogs ,opposums etc. I'm trying to fence the area but not have it look like a prison yard. So far, deer netting with reflective tape. I have some old wrought iron railing I'm planning on using . Metal garden fencing for the berry areas. The deer got the berries once already. The 2 week period of rain and humidity has ended so working on getting plants in and fence up.

 

[alp]

@Mrsclem Gee! You've worked hard and such a lovely transformation. Lovely the electric blue salvias. I hope you haven't got rid of your peonies as you can plant things on top of them and they will come back next year. For example, Petunias or other annuals. Hope someone helps solve your problems. Keep up with the good work and I look forward to see your butterfly and bloom garden!

 

[Becky]

What a great project! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it

 

[Mrsclem]

Well, I've finally got all the potted plants in and starting to get some blooms. No butterflies yet but haven't seen any elsewhere in the yard as the deer have eaten everything that was blooming. I have the entire area fenced with deer netting as well as mylar tape overhead.

 

[Becky]

It's looking great @Mrsclem!

 

[DeborahJane]

What a project Mrsclem! You've done a wonderful job. Looking forward to watching it grow. I'm sure you won't let it "grow" like it had before

 

[Esther Knapicius]

If you can get a Joe Pye Weed Plant, comes up every year I find it draws more butterflies than other plants.

 

[Mrsclem]

What a project Mrsclem! You've done a wonderful job. Looking forward to watching it grow. I'm sure you won't let it "grow" like it had before

I'm hoping it doesn't getaway from me with the wrong plants!

 

[Mrsclem]

If you can get a Joe Pye Weed Plant, comes up every year I find it draws more butterflies than other plants.

I actually got 3 of them from one of the native plant sales.

 

[Julliet7]

Wow! Really it is amazing job! I really appreciate it! You had put a lot of effort to it but I think it was worth! I also like idea with the name - it really attracts attention!

 

[Mrsclem]

Finally got a monarch butterfly today while I was weeding! The garden has gotten completely overgrown with plants as well as weeds! Deer go into it and didn't do any damage, think it was too much of a jungle.

 

[alp]

Love your jungle! That's a beautiful take and cheers me up no end. Haven't been feeling very well after the shopping. Nice flowers too.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Lovely pics @Mrsclem

 

[Esther Knapicius]

 

[Mrsclem]

The monarch eggs are starting to hatch. We started seeing the adults late last week and there have been several every day. Now we have dozens of tiny caterpillars! The aphids don't seem to be harming the plants and just too many to try to remove them.

 

[Mrsclem]

My caterpillars are disappearing! I suspect the birds are getting them. We still have a lot of monarchs laying eggs every day and a lot of other butterflies showing up. Yellow swallowtails love the joe pye weed.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Amazing, what a fantastic place you have created!! Must be a pure joy to watch all your visitors appreciating all your hard work. Well done @Mrsclem !!!

 

[Mrsclem]

Thank you all for the likes and comments! I honestly thought it would take a couple of years for the monarchs to find us. The migration path is 50-60 miles south of here. I was wrong! This morning we have at least a dozen monarchs flying around the yard as well as 7-8 other species. Have watched the birds going into the garden to grab a snack so i'm sure a lot of the caterpillars will not make it but there will be some that will.
I am learning what works and what doesn't in the garden. Lavender and several other plants have died off, possibly due to this years crazy weather. I need to move the pineapple sage! I almost pulled it all out. It looks just like an aggressive weed that grows around the garden area. Luckily, I documented what I planted where. It won't bloom for a couple of months yet and has taken over 2 beds and is crowding out the swamp milkweed. Still have a lot of weeds to pull but don't want to disturb the butterflies that are still laying eggs plus 9:30am and already90+ outside. More photos to follow.