… but the left wings were beige—only females have beige wings. This lacewing was half male and half female, or a gynandromorphic butterfly. That morning, when I had discovered the … had hatched that morning, saving our special discovery for last. I got everyone’s attention and announced, “This is extremely rare! As a butterfly wrangler, I have released many thousands of butterflies, but …
Type: Blog
… The ever-creative Nancy Clifton is putting the finishing touches on her fun and fragrant project. She’s making more than 400 wreath and garland decorations from a no-bake “faux dough” made of just two all-natural ingredients, …
Type: Blog
… Lepidoptera (from the Latin “scaly wing”), the order of insects that includes butterflies and moths. It has probably been a decade or more since I have seen the diversity and abundance of butterflies and moths that I have seen this past spring and summer. Lately, … the butterflies have gotten the lion’s share of PR. In particular, the monarch butterfly is on nearly everyone’s radar, due to its precarious situation with dwindling wintering grounds …
Type: Blog
… A Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, is called the “gateway orchid” for beginning collectors: it requires very little care, and yields great rewards with blooms that last up to three months! Early success with a moth orchid leads growers to try other species and, finally, to orchid addiction. But how do you ensure early success? As a new orchid grower, I …
Type: Blog
… cool temperatures, as well as dwarf size. Place this poinsettia in a brightly lighted location and ensure the florist foil, if wrapped, has a hole near the bottom of the pot to permit water to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… indoor longevity, place it in a location with bright light, away from air conditioning vents and ensure the foil wrapping has a hole in the bottom to allow water to drain into the coaster …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… of about 18 inches with a spread of up to 2 feet when grown in full sun to partial shade and moderate soil conditions. This sterile cultivar was vegetatively propagated from a chance …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… of the last hard frost has passed in a sunny location. Compounds in the sap are poisonous and deter deer, rabbits, etc., from nibbling on this plant. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… featuring soft yellow bracts surrounding creamy white flowers. Best grown in a large container and trained upon a scaffolding so the 2- to 4-foot long cascades of flowers can be shown off to …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
… Will reseed in the garden in optimum growing conditions. Plants often perform poorly in hot and humid summers south of USDA Zone 7. …
Type: Garden Guide Plant
