Plumping Nicely, Thank You!

       Who knew fennel was so fattening? Our three remaining Black Swallowtail caterpillars our chomping and contorting their way through the plant, doubling in size in just a few days, They fond their way to the end of each wispy frond or leaf and devour it tip to base. 
         We expect that soon they will be ready to transition to a chrysalis!
         Visitors to the garden. -- we mean the human kind. -- make our day, especially when they are budding naturalists like Wilton and Ford, watching the caterpillars yesterday with Stephanie.  

     With summer heat and sunshine, we have seen an uptick in our flying friends as well. A pair of Spicebush Swallowtails were fluttering about each other in the supertunias,  And our purple butterly bush, in honor of the fourth, has put forth a bloom 18 inches long that rivals the best fireworks. Two Eastern Tiger Swallowtails found its nectar delightful. 

       We will alert you as soon as possible to any major developments with the caterpillars. Stay well!