A Primrose Moth (Schinia florida) rests on the common evening-primrose (Oenothera biennis).These beautiful moths have a strong connection with their namesake flowers. As nocturnal creatures, they use the primrose petals as protection during the daylight hours. The pinkish hue of the buds coupled with the bright yellow petals, camouflage these beautiful rose and cream moths.Continue reading “Art Show at Apothecary Artists”
Category Archives: Hellstrip Gardening
Nick’s Woods on a Fall Day
On a dark and drizzly day, brightly colored plants, fungi, and slime molds seem to shine! Drizzling and darkGreen turns to goldForest alchemyWith the sun’s light hiddenThe light of the leavesThe dying of chlorophyllReveling the bright huesGreen becomes pale yellowGreen bursts forth into crimson redThe tree trunks are muted, wet and greyLast year’s oak leavesContinue reading “Nick’s Woods on a Fall Day”
Donker Farm
Strix varia – Barred OwlSolidago – GoldenrodIlex verticillata – WinterberryAcer rubrum – Red MapleSymphyotrichum lateriflorum – Calico AsterLithobates palustris – Pickerel FrogArisaema triphyllum – Jack-in-the-pulpit (seeds)Lycogala epidendrum – Wolf’s Milk or Groening’s Slime
Spring Ledge Early Autumn
Umbers, ochres, dark greens Muted light softens the shadows Light emanates from the plants Ferns, mosses, blueberries seem to glow like embers Sparks of color – clear reds and yellows A pair of Tupelo trees grow by the edge of a meadow. They are unusual for this area. Their leathery leaves are bright and vibrant.Continue reading “Spring Ledge Early Autumn”
Mountain Mint Magic
Pycnanthemum muticum, or Mountain Mint has strong powers of attraction. A diverse crowd of critters can be found on its flowers. Under the sun, this plant hums with activity. If you live on the East Coast or the Midwest of America – plant native Mountain Mint! You will be delighted by the constant spectacle ofContinue reading “Mountain Mint Magic”
Retractable Orange Antennae
I had no idea! Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars have antennae! I must have startled this one. As I approached, I noticed the bright little antlers. I have observed these creatures over the past couple of years. I had even brought a few caterpillars into my home to witness their transformation from caterpillars to butterflies. But, theContinue reading “Retractable Orange Antennae”
Another Kind of Primrose Moth
The Primrose glistened – tiny droplets coated tender trichomes. As I walked through the garden, I was delighted to see a small, rosy pink moth. Heretofore, I was familiar with Schinia florida – Primrose Moth. I was only recently aware of its existence, but I was deeply smitten! But, today’s moth was much smaller andContinue reading “Another Kind of Primrose Moth”
Yellow
Green Life, Black Death
Over the past week, I have seen lots of changes. I spotted another caterpillar out front. The two outdoor caterpillars seemed vivacious. I feel that they were more lively than their indoor friends. It makes me wonder if I am doing a disservice to the indoor caterpillars. Although the indoor caterpillars have their needs met,Continue reading “Green Life, Black Death”
Three Indoors, Two Outdoors
The smallest caterpillar just completed a molt. This period between molts is called an instar. The medium caterpillar is eating milkweed and gaining size. The largest caterpillar has become plump. I think that she may pupate soon! Outdoors, the curled caterpillar became a chrysalis. He is hanging beneath a milkweed leaf on the Hellstrip. And,Continue reading “Three Indoors, Two Outdoors”
Hellstrip Heaven 