In The Garden

In the Garden

Chickadee's Corner

"Wings 'n Things"

Summer is the season for butterflies, and there are many natural ways to entice beautiful specimens into your back yard. One of the most effective plants to attract butterflies is the Buddleia, or butterfly bush. A mere six-by-six garden patch is enough to support a good-sized butterfly bush. The flowers are long lasting and attract many types of butterfly, including the tiger swallowtail (see photo). In addition to drawing butterflies, the Buddleia bloom attracts bees and other insects. The blue-black bush known as Black Knight offers the most number of blooms and is the highest-rated butterfly bush.

Another frequent visitor to the back yard this time of year is the American goldfinch. These small, golden birds feed mostly on thistle, or Niger seed, and there are a wide variety of feeders available to coax goldfinches to feed in your back yard. One of the most unique is the thistle sack, a mesh bag with drawstring that is filled with thistle and hung, often three or four sacks together. (The drawback of the thistle sack feeder is that it may get wet from rain or humidity, and the thistle can spoil.) No matter what type of goldfinch feeder you choose, you will surely enjoy the antics of these cheerful little birds. (Photo courtesy of Lee Duer, the Wild Bird Store, Waldorf, Maryland)

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