Marypause50 ~10 years later still a blog about gardens, simplicity, friendships, gratitude, health,

Spring Must Go On ~ Blooms, Birds & Butterflies

      So here we are into our multiple week journey of staying-in-place. It is amazing that no matter how restricted we are for the greater good, nature still goes on & we are home to enjoy it!! When we go for our walks or just look out the window - spring is still happening gardening, nature loving readers! No virus or border restrictions will stop spring from going on right before our eyes..
        One of the most exciting spring happenings for me is the return of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Passing over borders & state lines, these fearless migrators can travel up to 23 miles in a single day! You know adversity is there to meet them on this journey and yet these tiny flying jewels soldier on & on. I know we all can too!! What a testament to determination. Below is the link to a migration map so you can follow their journey to you. Remember welcome them with a clean feeder with a mixture of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Extra can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks. Remember, no red dye needed. And to keep them here all summer perennial plantings like bee balm, trumpet flower, honeysuckle & coral bells are perfect . Any red annual flowers & red garden decor help draw them into your garden also. Order some red spray paint on-line & have fun with up cycling some tired plant hangers & the such! Have fun with it. Once hummingbirds are actively feeding, since you have time, you can hand feed them too. During this busy feeding time, just take the feeder down and stand with it in your hand holding it up. Be still & quiet & they will come to you. This might take some tries but so worth it! Up close & personal is the ultimate way to see these tiny jewels! 
Female Ruby-Throated on my bee balm - all summer long!

        Determination of spirit and instinct make the monarch butterfly a marvel to our own backyards in nature. The 4 generations of monarchs in one year from fall migration to Mexico & the their journey north well, volumes have been written! Not habitat loss nor weather conditions will keep them from their journey. It is in our DNA to be strong & weather the conditions, adjust to our new habitats & come out the other side too! In the meantime, you can check out the link below to follow the migration north & learn some interesting facts about these amazing butterflies. Planting annual zinnias & lantana, perennial butterfly bush & coneflowers will keep them in your garden all summer long.  Stay safe - stay put & enjoy your gardens!


https://journeynorth.org/monarchs

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