Last year in my garden, I planted butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), a type of milkweed, namely to help create a habitat for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Last week, when I found a Monarch butterfly caterpillar eating leaves on my butterfly weed, I was ecstatic. I hope this is an indicator that more Monarch butterflies will find my garden.

If you have not heard of the need to help Monarch butterflies in North America, read about how you can get involved at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Hello little guy, I planted this plant just for you. Keep eating, grow up to be a butterfly, and next time, bring some friends.”

Since I am writing about my garden, my post cannot be complete without pictures of some of the shiny jewels that glimmer and gleam there and call me back everyday.

Butterfly weed
Zinnia
New addition – Delphinium
Angelonia
Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly
Bee pollinating a zinnia

It’s easy to have a positive outlook when standing in the middle of a colorful garden. It’s easier to be thankful when you are surrounded by beauty. What are you thankful for?