A Monarch Waystation

      This past week, amid a scarcity of other butterflies, the Smith-Boeth Monarch Waystation lived up to its name, as on successive days we had six and seven Monarchs, some for six of seven hours, all fueling up on the nectar of Butterfly Bush, Zinnia, Lantana, and the occasional Marigold and Verbena. Never have we had so many at one time. We wish it were possible to get them all in one photo, but, of course space, and foliage and just the nature of butterflies prevented. So here is an assortment from October 12 and 13. We believe the male with the slightly creased wings to be Mr. Bean, but we can't be sure. 

        Can you find the third butterfly in the picture above?

      It's so nice when something occasionally works the way it is supposed to. Have a safe journey to Mexico, boys and girls.
​     Meanwhile, the last caterpillar, Keith, below, has become a chrysalis and currently resides on a willow sapling indoors. Whether he will be too late to safely make the migration safely, we of course cannot know.  All the garden can do is give them a chance.