25 and counting

Posted on May 22, 2025 by SweetButterfly Bliss

A few weeks ago I began a new project garden, inspiration I saw from another garden. That project – identifying plants with garden metal labels.

I have done two different fonts and today completed all 25 labels I received using my cricut machine.

It has been a great project as it has given me the opportunity to take inventory of what I have. The great part, I still have more plants to identify.

I have tried to plant natives in the garden, as they can tolerate whatever weather Southwest Florida throws at them, and they multiple and fill in empty space quite nicely. A good example of this is the blanket flower and coreopsis, otherwise known as tickseed.

Here are a few of the flowers that have been identified so far.

An upgrade

Posted on April 28, 2025 by SweetButterfly Bliss

After visiting other gardens an idea struck, and the the wheels started turning.

I love going to other gardens and seeing the name of the plant, especially when I have no idea what it is. I figured it would be beneficial in ny garden because of course I’ve had that “oh crap” moment where I forgot a name of a plant just added to the garden.

So, I did some researching and found name plate garden stakes and jumped onto my cricut and started designing. I made two tonight and love how they turned out. Of course with any project I do, there will definitely be some tweaking on the design to further perfect the outcome.

Just another step in the continued reimagining of my butterfly garden oasis.

An Easter male monarch

Posted on April 20, 2025 by SweetButterfly Bliss

The last of the huge influx of monarch caterpillars emerged today, Easter morning, in our butterfly house.

This beauty is number 632 monarchs that we have raised.

There is a ton of nectar plants in full bloom in the garden, an Easter feast. Its absolutely gorgeous with all the colors. Here’s a blanket flower. They are everywhere!

The right kind of nectar.

Posted on April 12, 2025 by SweetButterfly Bliss

The gulf fritillary butterflies are abundant in the garden this morning sipping on a variety of nectar.

The blanket flower, which I love because it reseeds itself everywhere and it’s such a gorgeous flower.

The plumbago, another great flower, was also a stop for nectar. This plant is a fast grower. I’m constantly cutting it back, promoting great bushy growth.