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A REGAL PAIR

9/16/2023

“Purple and gold, the heraldic colors of the king and queen of the meadow, a regal procession in complementary colors”. Robin Wall Kimmerer
In her best-selling Braiding Sweetgrass, author and scientist Kimmerer devotes a chapter to the beauty of the classic meadow combo of asters and goldenrod. Appearing at a time when most other perennials have finished blooming, these eye-catching flowers are a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies–including migrating monarchs, who have begun the epic journey to their winter home in Mexico.
Asters are, of course, members of the Asteraceae family. The botanical name derives from the Greek word for ‘star’--a very apt description of their constellations of starry booms.With over 35 species native to PA, there’s a suitable aster for every habitat imaginable. At the SBG, you’ll find New England aster (Symphotrichum novae-angliae), aromatic aster (Symphotricum oblongifolium) and more.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp) is a blaze of fall color in meadows and along roadways. There are more than 30 species native to PA, and distinguishing between them can sometimes be a challenge, but all offer important resources for pollinators. But wait a minute, allergy sufferers might be saying–isn’t goldenrod contributing to my seasonal misery? Short answer–NO! Goldenrod has relatively large pollen grains that are dispersed by pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The real culprit is ragweed, which blooms at the same time, and has very tiny pollen grains that easily go airborne.
Whether you’re a migrating monarch, a busy bee, or a gardener, we can all agree that asters and goldenrod are a winning combination!
Photo: Lisa Schneider

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just wing it

9/6/2023

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Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), a member of the Aster family, is a particularl favorite of native bees and honey bees–and beekeepers, at least, have known this for a long time! Numerous beekeeping journals from the late 1800s–early 1900s describe the cultivation of wingstem en masse, and its seeds were marketed as ‘golden honey plant’. More recently, in evaluating drought- and flood-resilient native plants, the Xerces Society studies found that wingstem consistently attracted the greatest pollinator abundance and diversity among these plant communities.Wingstem’s common name derives from the small winged fruits or ‘achenes’ that form when bloom time is finished. At the SBG, you’ll find it (appropriately) in our Native Bee Conservation area. It’s deer-resistant, and is also a host plant for silvery checkerspot and summer azure butterflies.
So if you’re looking for a beautiful, late-blooming ‘climate-ready’ plant to support our pollinator friends –look no further than wingstem!
Photo: Lisa Schneider

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SBG back-to-school edition

9/6/2023

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Since 2010, the SBG has been installing ‘satellite gardens’ at schools throughout the Centre region–more than 20 to date! Master Gardeners work with students, teachers and parents to design and install pollinator- friendly habitats, and teach these ‘satellite stewards’ how to maintain the plantings.
Spring Creek Elementary’s new satellite garden (pictured) was installed earlier this year, and as you can see, it’s thriving! By providing examples of pollinator- friendly gardening practices and pleasing designs, school garden sites extend the reach of the SBG’s mission.
In addition, other educational opportunities tied to these gardens abound! Master Gardeners present programs throughout the year, ranging from winter-sowing of native plants in February to monarch tagging in September.
If your school, church or community group is interested in our satellite garden program, visit the SBG satellite gardens page at http://www.snetsingerbutterflygarden.org/sbg-satellite-gardens.html or email info@snetsingerbutterflygarden for more information!
Photos: Pam Ford

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Regular Joe

9/6/2023

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Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium spp ) is in full bloom at the SBG, and pollinators are taking full advantage of its bounty! This wonderful native choice is said to be named for a Mohican medicine man from Salem, Mass who had great success curing colonial settlers of typhus with this herb. The common name is said to be a phonetic translation of jopi or jopai, an early native American word for typhus.
In nature, Joe Pye is most often found in marshes and along the edges of fields, making it a natural choice for rain gardens or wet spots. This stately (6’) perennial also creates an excellent backdrop for pollinator gardens, where its fluffy, pink-purple blooms are an especially valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies. It’s also a host plant for several types of moths, and hollow stems provide habitat for stem-nesting bees. When bloom time is over, birds love feeding on the seeds. This ‘regular Joe’ is a real standout for the pollinator habitat!
Photo: Lisa Schneider

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Parsley worms?

9/6/2023

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Gardeners know: Those colorful swallowtails munching away on your dill, fennel or parsley can eat the entire herb down to a nub in no time at all! Black swallowtails (Papilio polyxenes) enjoy many plants that grow in our vegetable and herb gardens–in fact, they were known as ‘parsley worms’ in the 19th century. But wait–these herbs are introduced species. Why would a native butterfly be attracted to them–and what was it eating before they arrived?
It might seem surprising, but black swallowtails were originally a wet meadow species, feeding on plants such as water parsnip and water hemlock. But as early as the 1820’s, draining and clearing of their habitat began to change the landscape, and the black swallowtail adapted to feed on non-native family members: meadow wildflowers such as Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota,) and cultivated garden plants like carrots, dill and fennel. All of these hosts (native or not) are members of the Apiaceae family, with which the swallowtail has co-evolved.
Female butterflies are lured to their host plants by a combination of chemical cues released from the plant, and they have chemoreceptors on their legs to help them find the right spot to lay eggs. (These chemoreceptors are found at the base of spines on the back of the legs, and run up along the spine to its tip.) Females drum their legs against the plant, releasing plant juices; chemoreceptors along the spines tell the butterfly whether she is standing on the correct host plant. And because they are in the same family, plants like dill and fennel “smell right” to swallowtails!
If you’d like to save your herb harvest by offering some native alternatives, golden Aaexanders (Zizia aurea), rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccafolium) and great angelica (Angelica atropupurea) are all fine alternatives for our area.
Or, just plant plenty of parsley!
Photo: Lisa Schneider

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Suddenly Susans

9/6/2023

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The cheerful faces of ‘black-eyed Susans’ set gardens and roadsides ablaze at this time of year. The genus name Rudbeckia honors Olof Rudbeck, teacher and mentor of Linnaeus, whose tall stature and brilliant mind were reflected by this flower. With nearly 23 different species native to North America, Rudbeckia is an essential component of any pollinator garden–.and three of these can be seen at the SBG.
The show opens with Rudbeckia fulgida– the species name means ‘shining’ – and it’s a shining example of a lovely early summer flower. Its bright rays are arranged in a single row, and leaves are serrated. It is rhizomatous, spreads rapidly, and can be propagated by division or by seed. Cultivars of fulgida are the most frequently sold at garden centers–’Goldsturm’ is a popular choice.
Next comes Rudbeckia hirta (‘hairy’), with its rounder, hairy leaves and stems. This branching self-seeder appears in mid-summer through fall–”Indian Summer’ is a common cultivar.
Rounding out our trio, Rudbeckia triloba is also known as brown-eyed Susan due to its purplish-brown centers, and blooms late summer through fall. As the name indicates, the leaves often have three lobes, and the rosette of leaves that originates at the base of the stem persists through the winter, creating an attractive winter ground cover.
Whether you choose just one species or several, robust Rudbeckia is a ‘don’t- miss’ selection for the pollinator garden!

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wanna-Bees

9/6/2023

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Bees: these pollinator super-stars are great garden friends who are enjoying increasing popularity among gardeners who realize their value. But what about their ancestors, the wasp family?
Wasps usually get a bad rap, with their reputation for painful stings. But these pollinators serve an essential role: Nature’s pest controllers. Wasps are carnivorous hunters, preying on insects–including the pests in your garden!
Like native bees, most wasps are solitary, provisioning their nests by themselves. And like solitary bees, they’re not particularly interested in us! Rather than stinging humans, these wasps use their stingers to capture prey as food for their larvae. (That articulated ‘wasp waist’ really comes in handy, allowing the insect to maneuver its stinger into just the right position to deliver the fatal blow.) Parasitic species use their ovipositors to lay eggs directly on a live host insect (such as a tomato hornworm).
What about pollination services? Although carnivores, wasps also need sugar, and often visit flowers in search of nectar (or insect prey). Since they’re not as hairy as bees, they are less efficient pollinators, but many species are generalists and visit a wide variety of plants.
Although a few social wasp species should definitely be treated with respect, remember that the majority of wasps can be a gardener’s best friend. No spraying required!
Photo: Amy Helser

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A tale of two Monardas

9/6/2023

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A Tale of Two…Monardas
Scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a most decorative member of the mint family. The common name ‘bee balm' refers to the historical use of a resin derived from the plant that was used for healing and soothing bee stings.
Its spectacular flower clusters resemble fireworks in the garden, erupting just in time for July 4th celebrations In our area. The scentless, nectar-rich flowers are pollinated primarily by ruby-throated hummingbirds and butterflies, especially fritillaries. Ironically, bee balm is NOT especially attractive to bees! (Since their eyes see a different color spectrum than ours, bees cannot see the color red.) These pollinators are more likely to be attracted to bee balm’s close relative, wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), whose tubular, pale lilac blooms are a veritable magnet for long-tongued bees. Wild bergamot’s common name refers to its scent, which is similar to that of the Italian bergamot orange used to flavor Earl Grey tea.
Both types of Monarda spread readily by seed. They can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so good air circulation and judicious pruning will help them stay healthy in humid climates like ours.
Can’t choose? Why not try some of both in your garden–butterflies and bees alike will appreciate it!
Photos: Lisa Schneider

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Red Admiral

9/6/2023

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The gorgeous red admiral butterfly can be found worldwide, including at the SBG! Adults are easily identified by the bright orange-red bands and white spots on all four black wings. And the caterpillars can be spotted snacking on their favorite host plant, stinging nettle (Urticaria dioica), as shown in this photo taken recently in our demonstration garden.
Using silken bands to curl the leaves inward, the caterpillars construct a tube-like shelter. (If a leaf is too sturdy to bend easily, the caterpillar simply chews through several mid-ribs at the base of the leaf to create a more flexible material.) Used for protection as the caterpillar grows, this ‘tent’ has another ingenious feature. With the opening always located at the bottom of the leaf, it’s ‘self-cleaning’--frass rolls right out! Since many predators locate their prey by smell, the larvae are motivated to keep things as clean and odor-free as possible.
When it’s time to pupate, the caterpillar consumes a good portion of the shelter and moves on once more. The pupa will be constructed in a sheltered spot, well-camouflaged to resemble a dead leaf.
The preferred cuisine of adult butterflies includes tree sap, rotting fruit, and of course nectar–milkweed and asters are favorites.
And migration isn’t just for monarchs! While their journey isn’t quite as long, red admirals also head south in the fall, passing the winter in warmer spots such as Texas.
So if you’ve ever wondered what a pesky ‘weed’ like stinging nettle is good for–just remember red admiral butterflies. They’re counting on it!

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Love is in the air

2/19/2023

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Love Is in the Air
Valentine’s Day may have passed, but love is in the air at the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico! Observations from this most-visited winter home of monarch butterflies reveal an increase in mating activity since Feb. 12, according to a recent update by Monarch Watch.
Rising temperatures and longer days cause an increase in flight in general, as butterflies seek moisture from areas of seeps and dew-covered grasses. In addition, mating increases, and this early mating activity seems to be largely composed of smaller males and larger females. Why?
Scientists are still working on this puzzle, but their best theory to date can be summed up in one word: Hormones! Juvenile hormone (JH) is produced in a gland in the brain, and leads to the development and maturation of reproductive tissues. Small males may simply produce more of this hormone early in the season. Or, all males may produce similar amounts, but JH activates sexual activity faster in the small males due to their smaller size. Larger females may be the target because they are less agile than their smaller sisters, and less able to avoid the amorous advances of their suitors.
Either way, it’s another reminder that spring is on the way. Start planning your milkweed patch now!
Read the entire February update here: https://monarchwatch.org/blog/#:~:text=Monarch%20Watch%20will%20once%20again,much%20of%20the%20monarch%20range.

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