Our club president recently had the chance to see the Butchart Gardens and loved it. British Columbia may be a very different climate to San Diego but seeing a garden vision come to life is motivating for all gardeners.
Set on and in 55 acres of an abandoned quarry it is restorative living art.
The Butchart Gardens – Over 100 Years in Bloom – Victoria, Canada
With all the rain this season flowers are starting to bloom around Miramar lake. This lily (Chocolate Lily) is native to Baja and southern California but I do not recall seeing it before in this location. Send your photos in for our 2023 Wildflowers of 92131 and they will be posted in the Gallery.
A migrating female Monarch placed her egg (the size of a pin head) on a leaf of this milkweed in my garden.
Four days later a caterpillar emerged and started eating. Ten days later, and about 2” long, the caterpillar developed a chrysalis which can be found hanging on a nearby tree or post.
Ten days later, the monarch emerged. Pretty amazing journey for 28 days
Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on just one plant, and that is milkweed, Asclepias. This picture shows Asclepias curassavica.
This genus is herbaceous, perennial and flowering. Monarch caterpillars eat only the leaves of the milkweed.
Milkweed is a beneficial wildflower and is not invasive. Other species use the nectar and some will also eat parts of the plant.
The plant, which has a milky sap, does contain toxins, which can be harmful to pets and humans, so be careful when handling.
post provided by SC.
Planted the last week in March. Pull leaves or cut the tops for salad. Prolific, and absolutely delicious! Highly recommended. Soaker hose irrigation. Post provided by SC.