Wildlife

Hawaiian Monarchs

February 24, 2012

King Kamehamehas I-V, King Lunalilo, King Kalākaua, and  Queen Liliuokalani are the famous Monarchs of Hawaii, but I’m talking about the little, quiet Monarchs I’m used to – the butterflies.

We left Molokai on Wednesday and headed to Lanai to stay with friends at their house for a few days.  On the way back from the beach, we took the “Happy Dust” (don’t ask me what that means!) road back to the house that was a bit rugged.  Deer ran out in front of us a couple of times, but the road was rough so we were going too slow to hit any, thankfully.  It was pretty wild out there, but I was surprised to see one of my favorites plants, Milkweed, growing along the side of the road.  Not just any milkweed, but  – wait for it – Hairy Balls!   :-)   Lots of it.  I found one plant with a caterpillar munching away. I didn’t know Monarch butterflies were on Hawaii!  I guess I assumed they were only on the mainland because they have to make the trek to Mexico, but I guess there’s more to these butterflies than I knew.  There isn’t a lot of info out there about Hawaiian monarch butterflies, but there is a project underway to figure out what their migration pattern might be.  Obviously, they aren’t flying to Mexico, but maybe they are flying interisland.  Interesting.   Anyway, everyone patiently waited while I jumped out of the truck to get some pictures.

And just a little of the good life!
The good life

 

Tagged as: Asclepias physocarpa, family jewels, hairy balls, milkweed, monarch butterfly

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That’s Not Very Lady-Like

January 31, 2012

I have Hairy Balls…

Hairy Balls

…in my garden.   Actually, more precisely, it’s milkweed – Asclepias Physocarpus to be exact.

I was shopping at the Navy Exchange garden shop and saw this plants but I recognized them for their white flowers.  I had one of these in my garden last year, having purchased it at the Master Gardener Spring Seminar,where I was told that it was called “Family Jewels” which I thought was because of the dainty white flowers.  Between getting eaten down by the caterpillars, and the aphids that took over, the poor plant finally died.  I liked the plant for it’s white flowers but didn’t understand why it was named “Family Jewels.” Mystery solved!

Asclepias Physocarpus

Native to Southeast Africa, Hairy Balls Milkweed grows 48″-60″ high. Plant in full sun and treat as an annual.  Asclepias physocarpa, aka Gomphocarpus physocarpus, goes by many common names: Swan Plant, Balloon Plant, Cotton-bush, Oscar, Family Jewels, Devil’s Balls, and of course, Hairy Balls, my personal favorite and soooo unlady-like.

Tagged as: Asclepias physocarpa, family jewels, Gomphocarpus physocarpus, hairy balls, milkweed

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Free Native Plant Class at the Anstine Nature Preserve

January 27, 2012

The San Diego Audubon Society is hosting a Native Gardening Workshop on Saturday, February 4th, 11th and 18th from 10 am – 2 pm.

Learn how to design a water saving, bird friendly garden in your own yard. Work on projects that you can take home. Learn from experts that work with native plants and garden design. Experience hands on activities to develop your skills and knowledge. The workshop is free.

Participants should come in clothes if you don’t mind them getting dirty, sturdy shoes and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. We will provide work gloves, tools, snacks and water.

Please RSVP to Beckywilbanks@cox.netor 760-295-1548. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian.

Can’t make it Sat.? The Anstine-Audubon nature preserve is looking for tour leaders. We need a volunteer or two to help Public relations and marketing! There are other opportunities as well! Please contact Becky Wilbanks at 760-295-1548

The Anstine-Audubon nature preserve is located at 2437 Hutchison Street in Vista, CA 92084.

Tagged as: anstine nature preserve, native gardening workshop, san diego audubon society

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Monarch Watch

September 11, 2011

I’ve got Monarch butterflies flitting all over my yard this week.  Sitting on my front porch, it’s a constant back and forth of these little beauties. I planted more milkweed (Asclepias) to add to the plants that were eaten down to nothing.  I found an interesting variety that is two colors, yellow and red.  Hopefully, [...]

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Mi Staghorn Es Su Casa

August 7, 2011

We have a visitor. I named it Poindexter. It’s a young possum who probably found our house because of easy access to cat food. I heard it eating on the front porch one night while I was working at my desk. Wow, talk about noisy! Oink. Oink. And the cats don’t seem to care that [...]

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Out with the old…..

December 30, 2010

To finish out the end of the year, here’s a selection of photos I took throughout the year. Happy New Year!

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Lightning, thunder, rain and a miracle….

October 1, 2010

All this happened in my front yard yesterday. A very interesting weather pattern rolled through here today and by mid-morning lightning was striking close by every few minutes, followed immediately by growling, cracking and rolling thunder. Rain fell sporadically in big, ploppy drops, enough to give a nice drink to the garden. After listening from [...]

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Project Butterfly

September 20, 2010

I bought a Milkweed plant at last spring’s Master Gardener Seminar plant sale to try out. The variety I bought is called “Family Jewels,” I’m not sure why, but it has pretty little white flowers which might be interpreted differently if I was a guy, but I digress…. I put the plant in a tub [...]

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Well, hello there….

September 9, 2010

I was sitting at my desk the other day when I saw something flap and flail out the window. I went outside and found Mr. Coopers Hawk in the front yard. I think he flew in for a snack of little birds at the bird feeders. I’m pretty sure he nailed something as he flew [...]

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Hoot, Coo, & Tweet

March 22, 2010

Have you seen Molly the Owl yet? She’s a barn owl living in San Marcos, taking care of her eggs. The first one just hatched. This live webcam is fascinating to watch! Friends invited me over to see their doves nest. Two babies are getting ready to fly, but they are still looking pretty scrawny. [...]

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A New Day….

January 23, 2010

After a week of blustery rain, the sun came out today and the garden came to life. I was glad to spend time outside with my plants. There was a bit of wind damage, but rain has a way of making plants look so vibrant and fresh. A good flushing does wonders. I assessed the [...]

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