Worry is like a rocking chair, it's gives you something to do but gets you nowhere!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Garden Activity for Dec. 7, 2009

Yesterday the temperature was pretty mild, it was in the 60's with some peeks of sunshine. I was a little surprised to find so much activity in the garden.
Does anyone know this guys name, he was on the Cleome. A little tattered, not too bad for Dec. though.
The Bees were very busy...Mexican Bush Sage

I literally stumbled on these Monarch Caterpillars on the Milkweed while reaching to dead head a Petunia in a hanging container. This guy is in the 'J' formation, once the Chrysalis is formed he will stay like this for 9 - 14 days before emerging a beautiful Monarch Butterfly. (Just wonder if the weather is going to cooperate.) I have read that some moths and caterpillars will stay in their coccoons or chrysalis through the winter if it is formed too late in the season..
Waiting for daylight so I can go check on them.

I also saw a Gulf Fritillary and a Yellow Sulphur.

20 comments:

Dorothy said...

I don't know the name of your butterfly/moth, but he is pretty and different from any I have seen. It's good that you are not having freezing temps there on your flowers. I look forward to seeing them all through the winter!

Susie said...

How nice to see color in the garden Darla. My Mexican bush sage has been gone a while now.

Hope the caterpillars are okay this a.m.

George said...

I have a feeling that I'm going to have to rely on your garden if I want to see any blooms for the next several months. You got great pictures of the bees and caterpillars.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi there, your garden shots are beautiful. Hard to believe parts of the country is still like this. We're under a winter storm watch with tons of snow on the way..lol Thank you or stopping by and saying hello. Pop in any 'ole time.. hugs ~lynne~

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Darla, Your garden is just what all of us need to see ---as we go through a drab winter up here.. The butterfly and bee is such a welcome sight --since we have none now.

Hope the caterpillars/moths stay alive during the cooler winter months down there. I guess staying in their cacoons will help keep them warmer. Keep us posted.

Hugs,
Betsy

Dani said...

I love the butterfly shot! Gorgeous, what ever he is.

Lois said...

I guess those critters don't mind the cold! I kind of like it myself. I'll be spending next week in Chicago with my daughter, so we'll see how I feel about the cold by the time I get back.

Noelle Johnson said...

So beautiful. I just love your Mexican Bush Sage. I love the fuzzy purple flowers.

Room to Inspire said...

Beautiful shots! Your garden is wonderful.

Chelsea

Roses and Lilacs said...

Have no idea what your moth is but it's lovely. I hope I can find a Mexican sage next spring. I'd love to try one as an annual.
Marnie

Patsy said...

We have some moths,The only thing left are the Astra African Daisys in the garden that have a bloom.Jack Frost didn't hurt them I was very surprised. It is raining now dark and gray.I am going to light up my Christmas tree for some joy.
Patsy

Lona said...

Darla it is wonderful to see butterflies, bees and flowers on a cold dreary day.

imac said...

Lucky you with the weather over the big pond.

Gail said...

I love seeing the butterfly...today, it's cold with heavy rains and your sunshine looks wonderful. How was your weekend? gail

Twisted Fencepost said...

Hey, you caught that bumble in flight! Great shot!!
I will chase them around and around a flower trying to get shots like that.

RURAL said...

That is such a romantic button on the side of your blog. Love it.

Everything is looking wonderful, we are decorated in frost here.

Thanks for the emails, they were hilarious.

Jen

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I can't even imagine seeing butterflies or caterpillars right now. You are so lucky to still have flowers. We usually still at least have fuchsias, but this freezing weather finished them off already.

Anonymous said...

How nice to have the flutterbys during the winter, Darla. In the J or flying, still wonderful magical creatures. Does your Salvia leucantha, the bush sage stay alive all winter? We had some in southern California that had to be pruned with electric hedge trimmers, as did the impatiens.

Frances

Rosemarie said...

I finally start blogging again and you post pics of bees! They still give me the willies! LOL

The butterfly shots are beatiful, and I am jealous of your weather!

Miss you!!!

Tootsie said...

you and your bugs...lol...I just love seeing this type of thing up close and not having to touch it!