Magical Monarchs

Rhodes and I share interest in many things, but gardening, in general, is not one of them. He listens when I talk about garden plans (English style cottage garden is the BIG thing on the list!), and offers input when I ask, but pretty much leaves the garden plans to me and my dreams. Well, giving credit where credit is due, he also provides labor and project work, too! 

One of the few exceptions to this state of affairs is our mutual desire to create as much pollinator friendly space on our small property as we possibly can. More specific than that, we have a plan to put in several beds of Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) to hopefully draw Monarch butterflies to our yard.

It might seem a little odd to be talking about butterflies in early Autumn, but this is one of the best times of the year to see Monarch butterflies as their annual migration takes them through this area. We would both be deliriously happy to actually see that event taking place. https://www.blackmountainnews.com/story/life/2019/09/25/events-focus-monarch-butterfly-migration-through-swannanoa-valley/2369940001/?fbclid=IwAR2nmd_tA5k32rQWZhQi4LQsdruK2S-rv8MS2_DaQC6s0ha1PQA0_x_7IHE

I was writing earlier today when Rhodes called to me from his convalescent post in the living room. I swear the man has eagle eyes; he can ID a bird from a hundred yards. Anyway, the front door was open and he had a clear view of the sunflowers in the front garden, and had spotted a single Monarch taking a meal from the sticky-sweet flower heads.

Another magical moment brought to us by the Cottage. I was enchanted and delighted and thought the experience could not possibly be any better, until my new friend flew around to the far side of the flowers, alighted, and opened his wings to be illuminated by sunlight. Stained glass windows have nothing on this natural beauty.

I'm going to sleep tonight counting tiny, fiery, gorgeous butterflies dancing across red and yellow flowers. So long sheep!

Good night, peeps. Sleep sweetly!

~sb