Flower Bell and Butterfly Nectar

The female Tiger Swallowtail butterfly that has been coming to the garden is old. Her wings are tattered. She is seeking the parsley. Her offspring will have food.



I made up a butterfly nectar station. At Powell Gardens they used a plastic scrubby. I thought the glass flower frog would work also. I used a nectar recipe I found. It is so simple; 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Boil the water for three minutes. Dissolve sugar. Let cool. They suggest you put your feeder in the sun and above flowers. I added a flower to the holder. Change your nectar every couple of days. I have plans for more of these. Thrift store tomorrow for more photo frames and butterfly nectar bowls!




My treat for the gardens yesterday was a Flower Watering Bell. I thought it would work very nicely for the Faerie Garden. It is a reproduction of the watering bells used in Victorian times. The bell is submerged in water. You put your thumb over the top hole and to water you release your thumb. The gentle spray waters the plants. I set out a large brass pot to collect rain water in for my bell.



The white hibiscus bloomed double this morning. There are lots of buds on the plant. I will save seed and winter sow. I see I have room for a few more plants. I need flowers in August and this memory plant is lovely. The blooms only last for one day.