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I'm not much of a gardener and I tend to stay out of the sun due to allergic reactions. So I really surprised myself when I got the incentive to plant a particular type of bush in a small area of lawn just outside my kitchen window. The particular bush I was interested in is called a Butterfly Bush. A friend told me about it since she knew how much I like butterflies. My graphics collection includes lots of these gorgeous creatures. And I hoped my Butterfly Bush would provide me with opportunities to view some butterflies up close and personal.
Happily, I came across a small bush at our local KMart. It was just the right size
and easy to plant. It didn't require much of a green thumb on my part either--just lots
of water and sunlight.
For my small effort, I was rewarded with loads of dainty, bright lavender blossoms
which have attracted a few lovely butterflies. I've tried to capture these beauties with my
digital camera, but either they're camera shy or I'm just not fast enough!
Even bumblebees have come to visit. My husband remarked that he hadn't seen any real bumblebees around in years--so this was a first. We live in New York and mostly see carpenter bees, which appear to be common in our area.
Butterfly Bushes are supposed to bloom through September so I'll have a few more weeks to enjoy the delicate splendor of the plant and its visitors. And since it's a perennial, I'll be treated to more of the same prettiness next summer.
In fact, I've enjoyed it so much that I'm planning to at least double or triple the pleasure by planting a few more bushes. Who knows? Maybe I'll start a new trend. No more lawns and mowing! Just a yard full of
Butterfly Bushes!
