Looking west-ish in our backyard towards the sunset last night. Smoke from another
wildfire. This one is farther away, but quite a bit larger and growing. Tis the season. Actually, it is very early in the season and folks out here are worried that this will be a record year for wildfires. We have had only about 2" of rain in 2007. Not nearly enough.
Here is one of 5 beautiful
milkweed plants that we grow just for this reason, caterpillar food. This picture was taken yesterday. We have watched these little guys grow from the day the mama monarchs layed the eggs.
Here it is today. Stripped to the stems. There were more caterpillars this year than ever before. Not sure why and it doesn't really matter. Around noon, many of the largest caterpillars were looking for a safe place to make their chrysalis(es?). It was amazing watching all those big fat caterpillars booking around the yard scoping out the best spot.
These little buddies have set up right on the fence. One has already turned into the green and gold chrysalis. I'll keep you posted on their progress. We absolutely love watching this life cycle. Even if temporarily destroys some plants.
Looking west-ish in our backyard towards the sunset last night. Smoke from another wildfire. This one is farther away, but quite a bit larger and growing. Tis the season. Actually, it is very early in the season and folks out here are worried that this will be a record year for wildfires. We have had only about 2" of rain in 2007. Not nearly enough.
Here is one of 5 beautiful milkweed plants that we grow just for this reason, caterpillar food. This picture was taken yesterday. We have watched these little guys grow from the day the mama monarchs layed the eggs.
Here it is today. Stripped to the stems. There were more caterpillars this year than ever before. Not sure why and it doesn't really matter. Around noon, many of the largest caterpillars were looking for a safe place to make their chrysalis(es?). It was amazing watching all those big fat caterpillars booking around the yard scoping out the best spot.
These little buddies have set up right on the fence. One has already turned into the green and gold chrysalis. I'll keep you posted on their progress. We absolutely love watching this life cycle. Even if temporarily destroys some plants.
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