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Newsletter for September 2020
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Backyard Butterflies
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Ready to Hibernate
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I hope this finds you in good spirits and health as this year's butterfly and moth season winds down. A combination of writer's block, not ready for the butterfly season to end, and all that's going on in the world, is why this last newsletter for the season is about two weeks later than usual.
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Technically butterflies and moths have been observed and recorded year round, but for the majority of us we'll not likely see much butterfly or moth activity until late February or the beginning of March, depending on the weather.
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This time of year John and I shift gears, relax a little before we begin working on germinating seeds, growing plants, updating the website, planning and preparing for the year ahead. While there won't be another newsletter until March of next year, we're still available to answer questions, provide education, and assistance regarding plants, butterflies, and moths.
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It goes without saying that this has been one wild and crazy year in many ways. We're grateful for still finding a way to connect with all of you and share with you our love for leps and help you create butterfly backyard gardens or habitats, and care for caterpillars and butterflies.
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Fall and winter are not my seasons. If I could join the Swallowtails in hibernation and awake in the spring, I would. Migrating with the Monarchs to Mexico also sounds appealing. May you find a safe way to celebrate the upcoming holidays, hopefully with loved ones. May the new year be a much more auspicious one!
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Peace, Love & Hibernation,
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Caterpillar Support Program
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Our Caterpillar Support Program during the butterfly season April through October offers free host plants or leaves, foster care or adoption of 16 different species of Lepidoptera, to those who find themselves with too many caterpillars and not enough food.
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We are thrilled that many people have contacted us this fall for caterpillar support! Word is getting out that we can help, and most importantly it means people are helping butterflies with their life cycle! Huzzah!
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This fall we adopted a total of four broods of Monarchs and two broods of Eastern Black Swallowtails, and provided Common Milkweed leaves to help raise a fifth brood.
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A estimated total of around 150 Monarch caterpillars were raised and released as a result of the support provided. Totals for adult Eastern Black Swallowtails is pending as only a small portion eclosed in September with the remaining going into hibernation until next spring.
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A handful of Monarchs released earlier this month. It's a joy to be able to briefly interact as adults before they fly off to begin their migration.
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Additional Ways We Can Help
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Donate Plants to HOAs, Community Projects
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This year we donated plants to help a pair of Girl Scouts with their Bronze Award Project of creating a pollinator garden of native plants.
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We also donated plants to Fiori Hill and Braddock Park, both HOAs in Hillsborough.
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If you have a community project for creating a pollinator or butterfly garden, or are part of an HOA that has a community garden or is thinking of creating one, we'd love the opportunity to assist you. Please contact me to start the process!
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Assessments & Plant Recommendations
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Not sure what plants would work well in your garden? Want to create a butterfly friendly habitat? We can help!
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We offer assessments and plant recommendations based upon your growing conditions starting in April through September. A visit takes about one hour in which I'll ask questions about your growing spaces, goals, and plant preferences.
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There is no charge for this service, though donations are appreciated.
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What's Your Winter Strategy?
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Butterflies and some moths have a variety of ways in which they spend the winter months. Which species do you share a common strategy or relate to the most?
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Leps: Spends the winter as a caterpillar around the base of its host plant.
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Human: You don't leave the house during the winter.
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Leps: Passes the winter inside of a curled up leaf known as a hibernaculum.
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Human: Not only do you not leave the house, you live inside a blanket.
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Leps: Buries itself in soil or dead leaves.
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Human: You spend the winter inside of a bunker.
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Leps: Hangs out as a chrysalis, hopefully in a safe, hidden location.
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Human: You wear a snowsuit all winter, or multiple layers of warm clothes.
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Leps: Migrates to Mexico to ride out the winter within a large community of friends.
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Human: You're a snowbird.
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Leps: Winter is time for the ultimate stay-cation inside of tree bark and other crevices.
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Human: You don't care to or can't travel. You find a way to stay active and enjoy the seasons.
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Online Plant Shop Reopens April 2021
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John and I have been planning what plants we will be growing for next year and when to have them ready for either local pick-up or delivery. We have an ambitious plan to offer approximately 65 different species of plants for 2021! Our official plant list will be in our first newsletter of the season coming up around the Ides of March.
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Right now we plan to have a portion of those 65 species ready for purchase in April, and then the second portion ready for purchase in May. When we have our finalized plant list it will include availability dates.
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Plant Pots Return Request
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We appreciate the return of pots for re-use if you happen to be passing by our way. No need to contact us, just drop them off on our porch.
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Coming Up in March:
Ready for Spring!
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