Caterpillars, loopers, and worms, especially green loopers, tomato hornworms, and cabbage worms, are hated by many gardeners. If necessary, control them with BT. However, butterflies, with the possible exception of the white cabbage butterflies, are the floating flowers of the garden. So why kill them all? In fact, why not encourage them? Gardeners who plant meadows filled with wildflowers often provide perfect habitats and never notice the depredations of the attendant caterpillars, a very important stage in the butterfly life cycle.

If you like Swallowtail butterflies, grow parsley and sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), plenty of it, for both you and them. The caterpillars are attractively striped and not overly voracious. They do, however, like willow trees, poplars, and sycamores. If you grown these trees you're likely to have a resident population already.

Monarch butterflies can be attracted by growing butterfly weed (Asclepius tuberosa). Large-flowered passion vine will attract Gulf fritillary, a red-orange butterfly with black-to-brown markings and silver spots under the wings. The fuzzy black caterpillars will decimate leaves of passion vine, but not touch much else in the garden. The mourning cloak butterfly is attracted to newly mown lawns, and is often fearless enough to sit on a gardener's moist outstretched palm. Consider adding a butterfly-attracting specimen or two to enhance your garden and attract these beautiful additions to your landscape.

Look for our 1 gallon Asclepias tuberosa!

By Tamara Galbraith

One of the many challenges in creating an interesting landscape is the incorporation of varying plant heights. Some plants will eventually grow tall at the back of the border, sure, but what if you need height now?

Enter ornamental grasses...the clumping variety, that is. Several ornamental grasses spread via underground rhizomes and can become invasive, so check with your local nursery if you're unsure about what to plant.

The non-spreading varieties should provide all the interest you need anyway. Ornamental grasses are incredibly low maintenance, grow quickly, and are naturally disease- and insect-resistant. The swaying, breezy movement they provide is unparalleled in its beauty.

Not only that, but ornamental grasses come in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for any landscape. There are beautiful purple fountain grasses, spikey cool blue grasses, dazzling golden grasses and silvery Japanese grasses.

Once established, most ornamental grasses require very little fertilization or water. Give perennial grasses a crew cut (down to 4"-6" above ground level) in late winter to encourage new spring growth.

We have many kinds to choose from: pennisetum, carex, melinus (ruby grass), imperata, etc.

1. Plant bougainvilleas, fuchsias, and epiphyllums
2. Use bedding plants for quick color
3. Plant perennials in bloom now
4. Continue to plant summer vegetables
5. Plant and transplant succulents, including cacti and euphorbias
6. Plant papayas and bananas
7. Plant and transplant palms
8. Continue to pick and deadhead roses
9. Deadhead and pick summer flowers to keep them going
10. Remove berries (seed pods) from fuchsias after flowers fall
11. Clip runners off strawberries
12. Feed citrus trees and look for chlorosis in citrus, gardenias, azaleas and others; treat with chelated iron
13. Feed avocado trees
14. Fertilize roses
15. Water all plants well except some well-established drought resistant plants and some native plants

Organic 10™ Palm, Tropical & Hibiscus fertilizer
6 – 4 – 6

Description:
A superior blend of feather meal, fish bone meal, mined potassium sulfate, cottonseed meal, magnesium sulphate, seaweed extract and PRO-BIOTIC™ seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus Ecto and Endo mycorrhizae.

Benefits: Contains PRO-BIOTIC™ Seven Champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus ecto & endo mycorrhizae. High in magnesium Stable and consistent plant growth, no growth spikes. 100% natural and organic. Exceptional results because nutrients are released quickly. Feeds for several months. Consistent premium quality. Eight select strains of Ecto and Endo mycorrhizae contribute to drought tolerance, enhanced nutrient availability and increased plant performance. 100% natural/organic formula provides optimum levels of essential plant nutrients, including important micronutrients and minerals. Eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers when used as directed.