There has been an explosion in the number of caterpillars in the garden. So far, I have Eastern Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries, Giant Swallowtails and Buckeye caterpillars. On one Parsley plant I counted up to twelve cats. This is the first year for the Giant Swallowtail caterpillars to make their appearance in the garden. They are currently feasting on the leaves of my Meyer Lemon Tree. I also have a Mexican Lime Tree, but no cats were spotted on it. I planted a White Veined Pipevine, so I'm just waiting for the Pipevine Swallowtail cats to show up. Maybe I need more of the Pipevine plant?
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| Swallowtail Caterpillar |
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| Swallowtail Caterpillars |
The Artichoke that was planted last Spring has finally bloomed out. I tried to leave some blooms on the plant for the bees. I ate three Artichokes, which I steamed and dipped in a lemon butter sauce. They were delish! Of course, anything dipped in butter taste good. I'm mesmerized by the gorgeous thistle like blooms. They also smell like perfume. Here are a series of Artichoke pictures:
Foliage and flowers around the garden....
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| Caladium |
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| Coral Vine |
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| Mona Lavender |
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| Kent's Oregano |
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| Firebush (Hamelia patens) |
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| Autumn Fern |
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| Agapanthus, Potato Vine and Red Penta |
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| Sunflower |
Thanks for stopping by and visiting my garden.
