The monarch butterflies are returning from Texas and Mexico to northern climes. To attract them and other butterflies to your yard, you need to offer them with food and water. Only a few plants provide both food for the caterpillar and nectar for the adults. Plant groups that can be used for both include asters, cherry, clover, marigold, milkweed, Queen Anne's lace and … [Read more...] about How to attract butterflies
Longest migration of any creature
The Painted Ladies arrive in MarchBy mid-to-late March, people in California and along the southern U.S. border should begin to see the world's most persistent and breathtaking traveler: the Painted Lady butterfly. The Painted Lady makes the longest known migratory journey of any animal, even longer than its celebrated cousin, the monarch, according to a study published in … [Read more...] about Longest migration of any creature
Drought-tolerant flowers save water
These drought-tolerant perennials will come through a dry spell without a great deal of watering.* Purple coneflower. It has many purple-red, daisy-like blooms from midsummer to early autumn.* Lavender. This mounding evergreen shrub with silvery-gray needle-like leaves and spikes has purple or white flowers in summer.* Silver king or silver queen. Has aromatic silvery-gray … [Read more...] about Drought-tolerant flowers save water
Flowers are key to attracting hummingbirds
Want to see more hummingbirds in your yard? Lots of blooming flowers -- especially tubular varieties -- help attract nesting residents.A good hummingbird habitat has more than just a sugar-water feeder.It should have some small deciduous trees and dense shrubs for nesting. There should be places to perch around your feeder, too. Remember, a hummer has to feed every 15 minutes … [Read more...] about Flowers are key to attracting hummingbirds
Seniors feel the impact of isolation
If you're an older adult, there's a good chance that social isolation is getting to you in a big way.Distancing and quarantine have damaged the mental and physical health of seniors, according to the New York Times. Reduced physical activity and decreased interaction with others that came with social distancing took a significant toll, resulting in decreases in mobility and … [Read more...] about Seniors feel the impact of isolation