A Very Cute Chrysalis Kit

One of my favorite nurseries, Palmer's Garden and Goods, is having a huge sale today and tomorrow (25-60% ALL items). I stopped by this afternoon and saw this display next to the cash register...

Despite the fact that we have raised many butterflies, I felt inclined to purchase the pink and orange chrysalis container on the right. Besides we have never raised a Gold Rim Swallowtail butterfly and it was 25% off with the sale - see how easily I talked myself into this purchase? :-) They also have Monarch chrysalises available. I'll let you know how our newest addition progresses!

Chrysalis kits are $7.99 plus 25% off until tomorrow and come with complete instructions.

PBK & The Very Hungry Caterpillar

For you Pottery Barn Kids, butterfly loving moms out there, check this out...

Oh my goodness - I am just dying over this! I love how this theme is available for a boy or a girl. The terrarium next to the boy's bed is darling too - I see this little project in my children's craft future. You can caterpillarize the bathroom too...

That is an amazing green free standing tub!

Okay, I know this didn't have a whole lot to do with  gardening but I enjoy butterfly shopping almost as much! :-)

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Purple Coneflower

I'm back! I was on a brief hiatus while getting my children ready to return to school. Now they have settled in and I can return to my blog (Yeah!). I took this picture earlier this year while on vacation in North Florida and have been meaning to write about it ever since.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower (N) is a wonderful nectar plant. Okay, I admit I am impartial to pink (one of my favorite colors) but I also love how these blooms stand up and reach for the sun.

They grow 2-4 feet tall and bloom in the spring and summer here in Central Florida. They prefer light shade which promotes flower and leaf color. Aside from attracting butterflies, Purple Coneflower is also useful as cut flowers, mass plantings, or as a border in the garden.