The first Monarch butterflies in my garden were observed Sunday, Aug. 17, on one of our butterfly bushes (Buddleia). There is no plant more attractive to butterflies than the butterfly bush. Best colors are blue, purple or similar colors. The least attractive color is white.
It has been a wonderful year for the yellow/black Tiger Swallowtails. I have never observed so many as this year. Sometimes six or more would be on one plant. Peak time to see them is from 3 to 7 p.m. The butterfly season will be over by October, and it is sad to see that happen.
Fortunately our butterfly bushes have been winter hardy with their roots and come up each year. Most of our plants are seedlings from other plants. Some of those on the marketplace are not as hardy. These bushes produce many seedlings, and I am always on the lookout for blue-purple blowers.
One year I planted a newly introduced plant with yellow flowers. If was a failure with small dismal flowers and butterflies avoided it. It was removed after year one.
Butterfly gardens become more popular each year. Even a few purple coneflowers will attract them. Other good choices include black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed and an assortment of brightly colored annuals. Select sun-loving plants for best success.
Opposed to moths, butterflies are identified as day-flyers, have clubbed antennae and hold wings upright over the body when at rest. Two species with the longest life spans are the Monarch, which migrates to Mexico, and the Mourning Cloak, which hibernates up to eight months in the adult stage.
I can well remember collecting insects for a collection in my 10th-grade biology class in 1945. That was the beginning of my interest in the world of biology. Probably collections are gone with newer technology in classrooms. When collecting insects, you learned to identify common types and found that true “bugs” belong only to one group, or order, called Hemiptera.
I owe my career as a biology teacher to my Mansfield Senior High School teacher Miss Mariel J. Aberle. She retired in June 1956 after 48 years as a teacher. She died in 1988 at the age of 101.
Miss Aberle lived a full life, never married and her life was dedicated to teaching. Her last year teaching was my first year, and she was happy that I would be taking her place and using her classroom.
Seeing and talking with her during her last year was most rewarding. I consider her to be one of the best, most-talented teachers not only at Senior High but in Ohio. I couldn’t wait to go to biology class. Her legacy as a brilliant teacher will always be remembered by her students.
Time to plant peonies
September is the ideal time for peony planting. It is an old-fashioned plant with many fine qualities. They are still found growing on old family farms with almost total neglect. But when June arrives, they continue to bloom as always. It is an underused plant with plenty of good qualities.
The peony is deer-resistant and thrives even with neglect. They have few disease or pest problems. They are among the most hardy perennials to survive cold winter growing conditions of northern climates.
Older peony varieties had flower limited to red, pink and white. Today there are many more colors, including yellow. Give the plant full sun, good well-drained soil and plant where it will display beautiful large flowers in June.
Make certain to not plant it too deep. The uppermost eye or bud should not be any deeper than two inches. If deeper, it will not flower.
A gorgeous dark red peony used to grow on a lot close to where Drug Mart is located. I planned to ask the owner if I could have part of the peony clump but never got around to it. Bid mistake. When you see a prize plant, never delay to ask if it is available.
Richard Poffenbaugh is a retired biology teacher and active home gardener since 1960. He is a member of the Mansfield Men’s Garden Club and was editor of the club newsletter (The Greenhorn) for 21 years. He resides in Ontario with his wife, Barbara. Reach him at 419-529-2966.
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