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Posts Tagged "pollinator"

Milkweed Flowers

Posted on Jul 5, 2016

Milkweed Flowers

My patch of Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is flowering and looking sensational. While this tasty treat has not had any Monarch butterflies or caterpillars (hopefully just yet) it certainly is attracting all sorts of bees…and that is fine by me! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

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Purple Coneflower Coming

Posted on Jun 23, 2016

Purple Coneflower Coming

This Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is about to bloom to add to the menu for all of our pollinators. What is most striking is how at this stage the plant looks like it has a green glow in the center, a pulse of life about to explode in showy color. The flower is radiant and the fuel to the gorgeous creatures that will be flying for it soon.

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Echinacea Milkshake

Posted on Jun 21, 2016

Echinacea Milkshake

Earlier today RTPI Development Director Linda Pierce pointed out to me that it was National Pollinator Week, a fact that escaped my attention – like many of those national days do! Just last week I posted a couple photos of pollinator plants about to bloom for the summer. Unfortunately I have not seen too many species of butterflies or bees thus far in 2016, though I am hopeful this changes after a slow and cold start to the insect season. Coincidentally today I actually saw a couple “firsts of year” butterflies including a Red Admiral in the morning and a Giant Swallowtail...

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Coneflower Blossoming

Posted on Jun 20, 2016

Coneflower Blossoming

This Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpure) is one of many that are about to pop open and provide food for our pollinators all summer long. I cannot wait to see what shows up in our gardens and yards – the bees, the butterflies, and the unexpected. The plant has a beautiful look to it even before the flower explodes with stunning colors. Every single bit of nature is art! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

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Swamp Milkweed

Posted on Jun 17, 2016

Swamp Milkweed

The Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is on the way! These wonderfully helpful pollinator plants, beloved by the Monarch butterfly for feeding and egg laying, will be blooming soon enough. I am looking forward to seeing all sorts of butterflies and other insects enjoying the nectar this summer. Have you planted any beneficial and native pollinator plants in your yard? What are you hoping to spot feeding on them? Go see what you can find this weekend in the great outdoors… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator

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