Rearing Monarchs

Our first batch of larvae arrived two weeks later than expected. On June 21st about 36 first instar larvae arrived from Monarchwatch.org. Our second shipment of 48 arrived two days later (on time). For the first few days they all fit in a large candy jar with milkweed and a cheese cloth cover over the top of the jar. The larvae ranged is size from under an 1/8 of an inch to under a 1/2 inch long. As the larvae grew we added more jars. When we had 4 jars and could not keep up with added enough milkweed, Doug built a large Conservatory or Atrium type enclosure out of old windows and a screened top. The bottom is open to the ground.

Butterfly Garden at GGC

I am really excited about the second summer in the Lefevre Butterfly Garden at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. We are planning two days of fun events in the garden. There will be a small selection of plants for sale, some not so easy to find too!  I have added a Butterfly garden flag "make and take" to the list of activities. For more info go to Greensburg Garden Center

2016 Fairy Garden

This years Fairy Garden is really coming along nicely!
As you know the fairies and I have an understanding about my space and their space in the garden. Last year they tried to take over but this year we came to an agreement. First off they have decided I can continue as garden care taker of my garden and they will pollinate and not cause road rage with the other pollinators. Also, they will only have one big fairy festival in there camp and not every week like last summer. They are really fond of Gypsy Radio and those late nights at the fairy festivals can go into the wee hours. It takes an entire day to clean up all the fairy dust.