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.

Fly free

Posted on April 9, 2025 by SweetButterfly Bliss

Welcome to a section of my garden where I released six monarch butterflies in the middle of a sea of blanket flowers.

A new species!

Posted on June 14, 2024 by SweetButterfly Bliss

After days of raining, the sun peaked out for a little while today and brought a new species to my garden! I love sitting on the couch in the living room when something outside catches my attention. Camera in hand I went outside to check out what species of butterfly was frequenting my blanket flowers. The American Painted Lady! Imagine my excitement as it fluttered from one flower to the next, not one bit bothered as I snapped more than 70 photos of this beauty.

The butterflies scientific name is Vanessa virginiensis. It’s also known as American lady, American painted lady, painted beauty and Hunter’s butterfly, according to the University of Florida. This butterfly has a wide distribution – southern Canada throughout the U.S. and southward to northern South America. It has also been seen in Europe, Hawaii and some of the larger Caribbean islands.

The adults wingspan range in size from 1.75 to 2.40 inches