Tag: butterflies

How To Make Your Garden A Wildlife Haven

Carol 43 Comments

This post was originally written in 2017, but was updated in 8/23..

There’s nothing more beautiful than waking up, stepping outside into your garden, and hearing a flurry of wildlife. From birdsong to crickets chirping, there can be a lot of potential for wildlife to exist and flourish in your yard. In our modern times, so many meadows and fields have been developed, it’s hard to find wild places for animals to live. There are so many different ways to attract wildlife to your garden and ensure that it’s the perfect place for a whole variety of different creatures. Even if you don’t have acres of land.  This is a great idea if you’d love a garden that feels truly alive, vibrant and completely natural.

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Fairchild Tropical Gardens

Carol 61 Comments

This post was orginally posted on 3/7/2019. I’m re-sharing it today as I love the beautiful Fairchild Botanic Tropical Garden in South Florida.

Fairchild Botanic Tropical Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156 

Fairchild is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. We are one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Currently Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries including support to protected areas in Madagascar and Africa and botanic garden development and renovation projects in South and Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

 

For many years I lived in South Florida. I moved to greater Miami back 40 years ago.  Later I moved slightly north to the greater Ft. Lauderdale area.  I have many friends in Dade County, Broward County and even just north to Palm Beach County and love visiting my favorite spots when I come back. Read More

Butterfly and Purple Periwinkle

Carol 45 Comments

I don’t share butterfly or bird photos that often as they fly away before I can get a good photo.  I can’t tell you how many bad photos I delete in the attempts.  Today I’m re-sharing a post from September 30, 2016. I made mosaics that  I hope you enjoy it.

 

I came out my front door and saw a beautiful black swallowtail on my purple vinca or periwinkle. Before I could get closer to get a good shot, he was flitting away as usual.  I looked down at the periwinkle and discovered a sweet rusty orange small butterfly, a Gulf fritillary, where the black swallowtail had been.

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Eureka Springs Conservation Park, Tampa, FL

Carol 33 Comments

Eureka Springs Conservation Park

6400 Eureka Springs Rd.

Tampa, FL 33610

HOURS:

Mon. – Fri.: 9 AM to 5 PM

Sun. & Sat.: 8 AM to 6 PM

Not far from the urban sprawl of downtown Tampa lies an oasis, a piece of paradise where you would least expect to find one. Bordered by Interstate 75 to the east, I-4 to the south, Tampa Executive Airport to the north and the Tampa Bypass Canal to the west, this botanical wonderland is a breath of fresh air. Founded by Albert Greenberg, Eureka Springs Park is the only botanical garden run by Hillsborough County.

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The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Carol 30 Comments

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

1316 Duval Street Key West, Florida 33040

Hours: Conservatory 9 am-5 pm

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

 General Admission –   $12.00
    Children 4-12 years –  $8.50    3 years and under –   Free
         Seniors 65+ and Military –   $9.00
          

Key West, Florida – the name makes me think of beautiful coral reefs, Ernest Hemingway, Audubon House & Garden, conch fritters, conch chowder, Key lime pie, and of course beautiful sunsets. My first visit to Key West was during my vacation in 1977 that convinced me I was moving to Florida. Key West is a relaxed community which is a tourist haven all year long. Read More

5 Steps For A Butterfly Garden, Help Our Pollinators #2

Carol 32 Comments
The flower doesn’t dream the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes.
– Mark Nepo

The 2nd of a two post series on pollinators. If you missed it,  catch up here: Part 1, Make Your Garden A Bee Haven.   Even though some of the plants and garden care are the same for butterflies and bees, I feel it’s important to consider their specific needs. Updated 6/23

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