Friday, August 2, 2019

Small Patches Great Satisfaction

After years of reading about Jason's small patch of Tithonia and a friend of mine talking about her Tithonia right outside her kitchen window I finally planted a small patch of my own.
The Tithonia is taller than our 4' fence that I hate to look at. It pleases me to no end that it camouflages the fence. 
Photo above by my DB.
Along with the Tithonia I also planted Zinnias. Not a lot but enough to bring in several different butterflies.
Tiger Swallowtails
Folded wing skipper of some sort. 
Silver spotted skipper. 
Photo above by my DB
Just enough to keep me going out there to see what else is drawn to these blooms.
Just across the path from them is a huge Clethra shrub in high bloom. So if you tire of watching butterflies you can count bumble bees and a great assortment of bugs drawn to the fragrance and nectar rich blooms of the Clethra.
You know what I will be doing this weekend. I hope you have fun plans for the weekend too.

22 comments:

  1. Gorgeous floral shots and love the butterfly one by your hubby ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to You,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  2. I keep meaning to try planting Tithonia seed! It grows well in the local botanic garden and, as that's just 5 miles away, I'm guessing it should grow as well here. Zinnias are a butterfly magnet here. I sowed my seeds late and the blooms are just now getting started but I've already seen an uptick in the number of butterflies. Coincidence? I think not! Have a great weekend, Lisa.

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    Replies
    1. I bet it will grow well in your garden Kris since it is a Mexican species. The only thing bad about it if you want to take pictures of butterflies they are above your head tall on the Tithhonia.
      Cheers.

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  3. I have never heard of Tithonia, but I see that it would probably not be happy here. I do love the butterflies though.

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    Replies
    1. Linda, this is a Mexican species. Your rainy atmosphere might not be so good for them. But you wouldn't have to worry about watering them if you got them growing.

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  4. Have a wonderful weekend ~ and sometime in your lovely garden ^_^

    Happy Day to You,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  5. I am thrilled to see more butterflies this year. I am not very familiar with tithonia; but I have always liked zinnias because they are not only lovely, but also are among the best blooms to attract butterflies.

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    Replies
    1. You are right about zinnias being a great butterfly attraction. Tithonia works the same way and hummingbirds like it.

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  6. Lisa, so many lovely butterflies! Amazing you know their names, I don't remember :-)
    Love your photos, your summer garden is full of colors.

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  7. Beautiful patches of 'satisfaction' ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to You,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fantastic pictures! I find the black swallowtails really difficult to capture because they never stop moving! Glad you are enjoying the Tithonia, thanks for the mention.

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    Replies
    1. I think all butterflies are difficult to photograph. It might be the photographer.

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  9. I grew Tithonia one year--it got huge, a little too huge. Wonderful photos!

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  10. The tithonia is a cool one. I had it last year and the year before, and one year the butterflies couldn't get enough of it and then the next they barely noticed it. Still glad to have it though.
    The clethera is blooming here as well and I love coming across the scent while working. It's always a little bit of a surprise and it's pretty strong as well!

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    Replies
    1. Even if the butterflies and hummers didn't attend them they give a tall orange/red exclamation in the garden. Ahhhh yes, the scent of the clethera is dreamy. The first hit of the summer is always such a surprise to come upon. Like the bees it draws me back time and again.

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  11. Glad you enjoyed the 'inviting boats' ~ it is a lovely area ~

    Happy Day to You,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for visiting with your fun comments ~ ^_^

    Happy Day to You,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello there Lisa girl ! .. what gorgeous shots of the lovely butterflies. Your hubby caught a wonderful one !
    I haven't heard of Tithonia before .. it probably wouldn't like it here, aside the fact I have no more room with good sun values, haha.
    I am sending a quick email to you asking a question (I don't want to use up your space here ;-) LOL

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  14. Mooie vlinders heb je in de tuin, heb je ook brandnetels waar ze hun eitjes op leggen ?
    Gr Jan(Wilde een Tuin)

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    Replies
    1. I don't have nettles but I have many other plants for their eggs. I plant for specific species. It is exciting to find the eggs and caterpillars.

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