by Monica Rylski & Gardening on the Cay
Spring is in the air! Butterflies and hummingbirds have begun to make their grand migratory appearance in the Carolinas. Bees and native songbirds are also among our happily flying pollinators. Moths and bats take over this vital work during the night. A pollinator helps carry pollen from one flower or plant to another, allowing fertilization to occur. New plants, seeds, food, and flowers are created.
Did you know there are special varieties of plants and flowers that attract your favorite garden friend and flourish in our plant hardiness zone 8a? You can encourage them to visit by intentionally planting those attractors in your yard. This provides more opportunities for you to admire and spend time with these captivating helpers while they linger.
Colorful Swallowtail butterflies enjoy Lantana, Butterfly bushes, Bee Balm, and Coneflowers. In the summer, countless butterflies flutter to my Peanut Butter trees. It is the most popular attraction in my yard. This tree creates delicate mauve colored flowers in the summer that turn hot pink in the fall. Clerodendrum trichotomum received this nickname because when you touch its vibrant green leaves, they transfer the scent of peanut butter to you.
Monarch butterflies are especially drawn to Milkweed. These regal pollinators only lay eggs on this plant, and their newly born caterpillars only eat their leaves. This beloved part of nature is considered a declining and threatened species. You can create a butterfly habitat by planting Milkweed. Your backyard can support a healthy pollinator population.
A group of hummingbirds is called a charm. The male Ruby-throated species has iridescent red feathers on its throat that glisten in the sun. They enjoy Trumpet vines, Lillies, Rose of Sharon, Zinnias, and Salvia. You can create a hummingbird garden by planting their favorites. Likewise, you can make a healthy homemade nectar with one part sugar to four parts water. Heat the water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Diligently clean your feeder once a week because bacteria can grow due to fermentation. Please do not add harmful color dyes.
Your garden is a peaceful place to cultivate your creativity and express yourself. You are the designer deciding how minimalist or ambitious your green space is. You are the artist creating the flower color palette for your canvas and choosing which fragrances fill the air. You are the gardener selecting the bushes and trees to enhance the vision for your yard. Along with planting the fruits, herbs, and vegetables you love to eat. Watch the garden you sow begin to grow and bloom alongside you. You reap the benefits of spending time with Nature. Enjoy!
Gardening on the Cay Garden Club is having a plant sale on April 26th from 9-1 at Tega Cay City Hall. Follow us on Facebook @ Gardening on the Cay.
