Deer Buffet and Butterflies

Chomped Liatris

Chomped Columbine

 
We have been struck by deer!! Evidently the deer feel that our garden is a smorgasbord for them.  They especially like the Columbine, Liatris, and the Viburnam.  We made a quick trip to Agway and got some Coyote Urine to put around the garden.  This seems to have helped as they haven't been back for a snack since then.  

We are getting many more butterflies now.  We have 2 types of Fritillaries, one that has dark shading ans one that is all the same color (maybe they are the same kind?).  We have some monarchs (no pictures yet) and we have some moths.

All one Color

Shaded

We also found some very tiny orchids in the woods next to our garden,  They are Broadleaf Helleborine. They are not native, but I've never seen them before.

Broad Leafed Helleborine

Overall, this garden is an exceedingly joyous experience. It is hard work, but the pleasures of learning more about the plants that surround us is more than worth it. 

Early July Update

 

Latest View of the Garden

The garden is changing so fast.  It's hard to believe that just a little under 2 months ago we were planting the plants.  This morning we had a small Coopers Hawk come visit our garden for almost an hour.  He was sitting on a branch overlooking the garden and watching for squirrels and chipmunks.  Still no picture of the red newt, but we're working on it.  I'm also finding that my knowledge of the local plants are expanding as I have a new interest in the plants around our garden.

Unknown Mushroom from Woods behind Garden

This mushroom sprouted after Elsa went by.  The rain has brought all sorts of mushrooms out.  I'm working on an ID but so far no luck.

Bee Balm 

Small Bee on Purple Cone Flower

This bee is an unknown to me. but is very busy gathering pollen to turn into honey.  Its leg sacks are so full it could hardly fly.

Fritillary Butterfly

This is a Fritillary butterfly, but I'm not sure which one it is.  Butterflies don't usually sit long enough to get a picture.  We are getting more butterflies as they hatch  The Hummingbirds are also starting to visit the flowers.