Birds, bees and native plants are key to a successful wildlife garden. Here are few more recent pictures to share. When you garden for wildlife a walk in your backyard is like going to the park!
Zebra Long Wing Butterfly
The zebra long wing is the Florida state butterfly. This one is enjoying a flower on our non Florida native firebush (H. patens var. glabra). This tree was purchased many years ago before I was educated on the importance of native plants. It is about 18 feet by 18 feet and is always full of birds, butterflies, bees and even an occasional possum in the evening!
Ladybird Beetle on Florida Native Firebush
This ladybird beetle is looking for aphids on my NATIVE firebush (H. patens var. patens). This one isn’t as big as my non native tree, but it’s getting there.
Bee on Non Native Firebush (H. ppatens var. glabra)
Atala Butterfly on Bloodberry
The atala butterfly was considered an endangered species until their recent comeback a few years ago. Their return can be credited to education on the importance of using native plants when landscaping. The atala caterpilllars’ host plant, the coontie plant is a popular native choice. As more people provided a place for the butterflies to lay their eggs and the caterpillars to grow, the atala butterflies numbers bounced back. This atala is enjoying some pollen on my Florida native butterfly sage, also called bloodberry.
Happy Gardening!
I have never seen such a beautiful butterfly as the atala, we have nothing so beautiful here in England, so I am so glad I found your site. Thank you so much for sharing. My friend has just released 10 painted lady butterflies back into the wild in an area where their favourite food (the thisle) is prevalent.