Florida Roses and Butterfly Gardening

I'm still here! I'm so sorry for the lack of posts - I have been busily working on an upcoming lecture for the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society entitled "Florida Roses and Butterfly Gardening." I will be providing general butterfly gardening information as well as discussing butterfly plants that make good companion plants for roses. I also plan to bring my caterpillar condo and butterfly gardening handouts. You will find information about the lecture here and below. I would love to see you there!

Orlando Area Historical Rose Society

April 3, 2011 2:30pm (doors open at 2pm)

Harry P. Leu Gardens

(407) 647-1219

Places: Butterfly Garden at Disney's Ft. Wilderness

Hello! Just back from the annual Girl Scout camping trip at Disney's Ft. Wilderness. We had a great time  swimming, making smores, trading SWAPS, and spending time with the other Girl Scouts and their families.

At the  Ft. Wilderness'  Reception Outpost, there is a colorful butterfly garden that I enjoy visiting each year...

Ft. Wilderness Reception Outpost

The garden is filled with Snapdragons, Dianthus, Milkweed, Pansies, Nicotiana, and Passionflower.

The Black-Eyed Susans are particularly vibrant.

The Black-Eyed Susans look lovely en masse.

Tiger Swallowtail on Dianthus

Look at the amazing variety of nectar plants.

More Signs of Spring

Spring weather is definitely here. It's expected to be in the mid-80s for the next week and I've noticed more butterflies flying around. I spotted another one earlier this week. It was a Black Swallowtail on Viburnum in our garden.

Black Swallowtail on Viburnum

Of course we love birds too here at Milkweed Gardens and were delighted to see Robins this week as well.

Robin by Opusbloo on Flickr

Have a wonderful weekend!

Free Veggie Seeds & Gardening Gloves

My children are fans of Annie's Homegrown macaroni and snacks so I was fortunate to come across this FREE offer. With the purchase of two Annie's products between January 5 and April 30, 2011, you can receive a Gardening Gift pack consisting of Baker Creek Heirloom seeds and gardening gloves (adult or child)! Order yours here.

Yeah! A Butterfly

Is Spring around the corner here in Central Florida? My daughter and I were out for a run and ride on the scooter this afternoon when a Monarch crossed our path. I pointed it out to her and we stopped to watch it fly about. This was the first butterfly we have seen this year. I noticed there was some purple lantana growing next to us and realized the Monarch wanted to eat. We kept still and it finally landed to sip some nectar. Hmmm... maybe warmer days are upon us.

Monarch on Lantana

Florida's Native Milkweed

I recently found a wonderful posting about Florida's native milkweed on Tales from the Butterfly Garden: Lepidoptera Curious. Here it is: Preparing for the Caterpillar Season: Milkweed. Check it out!

Purple Milkweed (N), Photo by Ggallice on Flickr

Caterpillar Condo

I spotted this at the farmer's market - a Caterpillar Condo! How cool is that? I really want one!

Caterpillar Condo