Plant Some Aromatic Herbs To Attract Butterflies!

Top 11. Aug 3, 2000 2:09 PM

» Naomi_Mathews - Hello, Plox!

I'm delighted that you find my articles enjoyable. Thanks so much for your return visit! Both butterflies and hummers are charming and intriguing as well, aren't they?

I'll see if I can find some info about those moths you've seen when I get a chance. I'm not really familiar with them, but if I find any info, I'll post it here. It would be interesting to know what their host plant preferences are.

If any other readers are familiar with these moths, just jump in this discussion and share your wisdom with us, okay? (-;

Have a great day, Plox!

-- posted by Naomi_Mathews

Top 12. Aug 3, 2000 3:09 PM

» Renie_Burghardt - Hi Naomi,

and Phlox! Sometimes a sphinx moth is referred to as a hummingbird moth, I think. These huge, beautiful moth's feed on the nectar of flowers, just like hummers, and they beat their wings while doing so, in the same manner as hummers. The caterpillars are huge and homely. I have seen them on my black walnut tree. There are several host plants for these chubby looking caterpillars. I would have to, also, look into it more. That's about all I know about them. Hope that helps, phlox. See ya!

Renie

-- posted by Renie_Burghardt

Top 13. Aug 3, 2000 4:24 PM

» Naomi_Mathews - Thanks for the clue, Renie!

I have heard of the Sphinx moths -- you just helped to refresh my failing memory! (-;

I'll do a little research on those little "hummers" and see what I come up with, too. Their caterpillars don't sound too interesting, Renie. But even some beautiful butterfly caterpillars are extremely ... well, I guess I'd have to say "ugly!"

Take care!

-- posted by Naomi_Mathews

Top 14. Aug 10, 2000 7:19 PM

» Red - Naomi, I am glad...

I am glad that you had a wonderful trip and returned home safe and sound. You are right. There is no place like home, though it is nice to get away.

I would be very interested in knowing ..."where have all the Monarchs gone." If you happen to find out, please let me know.

Thanks for visiting my topic. I really enjoyed your participation. Be sure to drop in again soon. The fawns and doe were a fabulous site and that moose in the fog took my breath away. Like Renie, I love nature. There are many times that I long to live in the country once again, though wildlife is not as abundant now as when I was a child.

Take care. We will talk soon.

-- posted by Red

Top 15. Aug 11, 2000 8:14 AM

» Naomi_Mathews - Hi, Mary! Monarchs have been scarce around here...

I'm not sure where they have all gone, but they are surely scarce around here. When we were on our trip, we unfortunately had more than one that flew right into our front windshield and didn't live. That made me really feel bad -- but it does happen a lot in the summertime. We would see some on other vehicles too that had been hit.

In some areas of Nebraska, there were many wildflowers in bloom on both sides of the Interstate, and also in the median areas. Most of those were blue and yellow flowers and it was very scenic. I think that many states have a highway beautification program, which will likely help bring back some butterflies. I hope so!

Thanks for your visit and comments, Mary. Always nice to have you stop by.

-- posted by Naomi_Mathews

Top 16. Aug 11, 2000 1:21 PM

» terri_in_pa - Sphinx Moth....

Looks so like a little Humming bird, and it is related to the TOMATO HORNWORM.. that is what i know about them. I have had them here a few times over the years, and the first time i saw one, i thought it was a baby hummer.. NOPE.. LOL
But they too are interesting to watch!!

-- posted by terri_in_pa

Top 17. Aug 11, 2000 1:32 PM

» terri_in_pa - Naomi..Glad to see you back home....

safe and sound!! Your Vacation sounds wonderful!!

Here its been a quiet summer, with my back problems, i havent been doing too much. I have been moving ALOT of buddeliea babies, i have a ton of them!! I must have moved close to thirty of them all over my yard!! Where ever other plants died, i replaced them with the baby butterfly bushes.. Some have even flowered THIS year!!
Some are pink, and others are blue, its pot luck, but ill take it!! :-)

I have also had a ton of rose of sharon babies as well, and placed them in areas where humans dont inhabit, as they do draw many bees. I do like them tho..

This year i took my old Weber kettle grill, and planted many herbs, Dill, Fennel, curly and regular parsley, morjoram, and another i cant think of at this moment.. Butters havent noticed it altho i have it dead center in the yard. Maybe next year ill be more successful. No baby Monarchs either this year, and my Acelpsis multiplied so much, i replanted them in my new bed!! I also went and got some wild flowers, including Primrose and chicory, for them.. no luck!!
I have been seeing many different types of butters this year tho.. besides the swallowtails, i have seen Monarchs, Fritillaries, and Skippers too!! Many different types!!
When i have my camera, i see no one.. LOL maybe they are camera shy??
Maybe ill have more success with the Herbs next year!!

-- posted by terri_in_pa

Top 18. Aug 11, 2000 9:52 PM

» Naomi_Mathews - Thanks for the "Sphinx Moth" info, Terri~

I'm sure we've seen a couple of them in our yard this summer -- my dear hubby says he's certain it was a hummer, but I had seen one earlier, and know it was NOT a hummer, but a sphinx moth. But like you say -- they're interesting to watch, too!

I've had some experiences with those "tomato hornworms" too, Terri -- but not for many a year. I do not like them! But it does take all kinds of "critters" to make up our world, and Nature does send some odd ones our way, right? (-;

Thanks again, Terri!

-- posted by Naomi_Mathews

Top 19. Aug 11, 2000 10:12 PM

» Naomi_Mathews - Terri, you're such a busy bee!

Thanks for the welcome home from our vacation. It truly was wonderful, and we had a super great time visiting, sightseeing, and also "antique-junkique" shopping every chance we got. We came home with some pretty neat "goodies" and had a great time with my cousin who was our super great Nebraska tour guide.

You've been so busy planting and transplanting! Sounds like you're going to have a butterfly wonderland -- all of those buddleias have been self-sowing like crazy! You will be surrounded by butterflies by next year for sure.

I loved the idea of planting all those herbs in your Weber container. Seems just about everywhere I look these days people have planted things in all sorts of containers. They are fun to do -- and my "potpourri" out front is just flourishing. I must have just put the right things together for a change. Right now every plant is as healthy as can be, and I don't have to do a thing to those four pots -- they just get watered every morning with the drip system, and I've only fertilized them once with my favorite ferilizer -- Miracid.

Glad you've seen so many different butterflies too! They are really camera shy, especially the Monarchs. I haven't had a chance to download my most recent pics, but will get at that soon.

Take care, Terri, and enjoy summer. It has a way of sneaking past so quickly! (-;

-- posted by Naomi_Mathews