Creating a Butterfly Oasis

Milkweed Plant

Why Milkweed Plants Are Essential for Monarch Butterfly Habitats Milkweed Plant is an easy-to-grow plant that is essential for many butterfly gardens. Several characteristics that appeal to gardeners and butterfly watchers alike include its size, flowering time, sturdiness, and natural attraction for butterflies. They are typically found in Zones 3 to 9. It enjoys full sun but can deal with a bit of shade here and there. They usually appear in bunches of strong green stalks that could reach up to 5 feet high but typically 2 to 4 feet. Thanks to the sturdy nature of these stems, there is no need to prop them up; they will stand on their own. The leaves are various shades of green, thick and robust. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. It is ideal for planting to place these about 18 inches apart. Additionally, this flower requires no fertilizers and does well in less-than-perfect soil. Their flower pods grow from the top of the flower and are usually found in small groups, producing many flowers at once. The flowers grow to about .75 inches and .4 inches wide. They are generally light to dark pink and let off a lovely, sweet scent. How to Grow and Care for Your Milkweed Plants Fruit pods also grow on Milkweed plants. They are about 4 inches long and shaped like a sphere, with little nubs growing on them. The pods start out green and, as they mature, turn brown. At this stage, they can be used for flower arrangements. Once they dry completely, they will split open. Many seeds can be taken from one pod. Milkweed Plants: The Best Choice for Pollinator Gardens Finally, the Milkweed plant is an ideal and vital flower for Monarch Butterflies. Not only do they eat the leaves, but they also form their chrysalis and mature and hatch on the very same flower.

Blazing Star

Blazing Star A Stunning Native Wildflower for Vibrant Gardens Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), also known as Gayfeather or Dense Blazing Star, is a beautiful perennial plant known for its tall, spiky flower clusters that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Planting bare root Blazing Star is a great way to add vibrant color and texture to your garden. Here’s how to plant and care for them: Characteristics Family: Asteraceae Height: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall Flowers: Purple, pink, or white, arranged in dense spikes Leaves: Narrow, grass-like leaves How to Grow and Care for Blazing Star in Your Landscape Timing: Plant bare root Blazing Stars in early spring or fall. Location: Choose a sunny location. Blazing Stars thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. They prefer sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Preparation: Soak the bare roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Plant with the crown just below the soil surface. Spacing: Space plants about 12-15 inches apart to allow for growth. Care and Maintenance Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established. Once established, Blazing Stars are relatively drought-tolerant. Mulching: Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilizing: Generally, Blazing Stars do not require much fertilization. If desired, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring. Benefits Aesthetic: Adds striking vertical interest and vibrant color to garden beds and borders. Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care. Potential Issues Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew or rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Overwatering: Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot and other water-related problems. Blazing Star Benefits Pollinator Magnet and Low-Maintenance Beauty Flower Beds and Borders: Adds height and color to mixed flower beds and borders. Wildflower Gardens: Ideal for naturalized and prairie-style gardens. Cut Flowers: Excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their long-lasting blooms. Blazing Star blooms from July to August, which makes it ideal because many spring and early summer bloomers tend to look quite drab after their early blooming period.Many people love to grow three or four in a decorative pot. An excellent garden idea is to make a complete path of the plants in your backyard using decorative pots. Another advantage to the plants is that if you have a lot of deer around, they tend not to be interested in eating these plants.

Paw Paw Tree

Benefits of Growing a Paw Paw Tree in Your Garden Paw Paw Tree, scientifically known as Asimina triloba, is a unique and fascinating fruit-bearing tree native to the eastern United States. Also commonly referred to as the "Michigan banana," "custard apple," or "poor man's banana," the pawpaw tree belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is the only member of its genus found in North America. How to Care for Your Paw Paw Tree: Essential Tips Pawpaw trees are relatively small, typically growing to 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters). They have large, tropical-looking leaves that can reach up to 12 inches tall and produce striking, purplish-brown flowers in early spring. These flowers are known for their unusual appearance and sweet, fetid odor, which attracts flies and other pollinators. One of the most remarkable features of Paw Paw Tree is its fruit. They produce greenish-yellow to brownish fruits, typically about the size of a small potato. The fruit's flesh is creamy custard-like and has a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of banana, mango, and melon. It contains large seeds. Pawpaws are highly nutritious and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them popular among foragers and fruit enthusiasts. Why the Paw Paw Tree is Perfect for Your Landscape The trees thrive in moist, well-drained soils and grow naturally in woodlands and riverbanks across the eastern United States, from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes region. They are hardy in U.S.D.A. zones 5 to 9 and require a frost-free period for fruit production. While they can be grown from seeds, cultivating them from saplings or grafted trees is often more convenient for consistent fruit quality. The Paw Paw Tree holds cultural and historical significance for Native American tribes and early European settlers. Today, it is gaining popularity as a niche fruit crop, with efforts to promote its cultivation and consumption due to its unique taste. It's important to note that while the tree is a delightful addition to gardens and orchards, it remains relatively obscure compared to other fruit trees like apples or peaches.