The (Common) Buckeye (Junonia coenia) at C&LWhat a summer it's been...The gardener's been gone and the weather has been hot and humid. Thank goodness they've been lax about weeding and mowing~there's plenty of places for me to rest in the sunshine. More than resting I love to flit about.
There's enough Plantago (plantain) and ruellia host foods for my caterpillars to make this Buckeye happy. Notice, I've dropped the common from my name! I am not common. 
I haven't much to complain about. The garden has an open space for me to fly around, greenery for me to rest upon, nectaring plants for food and host plants for my offspring. It's been a wonderful summer for butterflies~We've all been talking....Even the skippers stopped their speeding from plant to plant long enough to chat. We love a hot summer and this summer there's been no need to hide from the rain.
My gardener seems to like verbenas. This patch is quite nice. It's a perfect perch for keeping a lookout for a female and if I get hungry there's a little nectar. From up here I can see there are plenty of blooming plants. Susans the gardener calls them. 
They are starting to fade and that seems to make the gardener a little sad. But, there will be some really pretty flowers coming soon~I know because the gardener keeps telling the man that soon the big fall show will begin. 
Surely, she's not talking about this strange blue flower tree.
Is this part of the show she's waiting for? it's more to my taste, although, impossible for me to perch upon. Doesn't she know that I've only just arrived and I've got a lot to accomplish in my lifetime? I've got ten days to find a mate and plan for my offspring. Seriously, how can she miss that
I am the big show she's been waiting for!
Gail
Dear Prince Buckeye, (for you are anything but common!), you have found the perfect spot in which to reign. Plenty of habitat, food and shelter at Clay And Limestone will ensure happiness for your line of progeny for years to come. We do so hope The Man appreciates you regal presence as much as the gardener. :-)
ReplyDeleteFrances
Dear Gail,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful show! We only have Mr.and Mrs. Common but I get excited when I see them. Lots of pretty scenery at C & L for your visitors to thrive!
Meems
A wonderful butterfly habitat. The Buckeyes are particularly fond of landing on The Musician! They love it when he serenades them with his guitar -- on the porch or patio in the mornings!
ReplyDeleteWe had to make an emergency trip to a plant nursery on Sunday to buy more milkweed for our Monarch caterpillars!
I always feel blessed when I see a troop of Buckeyes scouring the garden for what they need...and they find it.
ReplyDeleteWell now that you mention it, I have only seen one Monarch and no Buckeyes so far....what's happening?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time of the year, and you are definately not common, and also not common is the garden you find yourself in.
ReplyDeleteCharming and beautiful post Gail. Great portraits of the uncommon Buckeye! I love seeing and hearing about your garden from your dapper male butterfly's point of view. He is quite a show! It is clever how you gave us all the info on his life in this context too. I so enjoyed this visit! ;>)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your reflections, Mr. Buckeye! Many of your relatives have been visiting my garden this summer, and I've been wanting to ask them just what I could do to make their visit more enjoyable. So I appreciate knowing your likes and dislikes in hotel accomodations. I'm not going to tell them about the amenities at the Clay and Limestone resort, however; they would probably all pack up and join you there!
ReplyDeleteIt must be wonderful to be a butterfly!
ReplyDeleteI love this post! It's refreshing to stop and consider the garden and the weather from another viewpoint. I know if I were a butterfly, there's no place I'd rather be than in the GOBN.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your garden perspective, you beautiful creature!
ReplyDeleteYou've chosen your home wisely Mr. Buckeye. You and your offspring have been well provided for by the thoughtful caretaker of your garden home.
The most uncommon Buckeye visited my garden for the first time this year. Attracting butterflies may be my #1 priority in the garden these days. I love reading posts like this one!
ReplyDeleteYou made it, Ms.Butterfly!
ReplyDeleteSo nice of Buckeye to take time out of her busy schedule to post on your blog. She seems to be happy in your garden.
ReplyDeleteSo nice of Buckeye to take time out of her busy schedule to post on your blog. She seems to be happy in your garden.
ReplyDeleteI wish you would come visit here Mr. Buckeye. I have lots of pretty plants, but you seem to shy away from my fair state. I love seeing you in Gail's garden though. Keep up the good work, you've got a lot to do.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a Buckeye before - so glad he has made its home in your garden and you're getting so much pleasure watching him. I would rather watch butterflies in the garden than weed any day.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail....the Buckeye is a very beautiful butterfly. I have seen them on many blogs and am very taken with them.
ReplyDeleteIf they are common, then you are very lucky, I would love a garden full of them.
You garden is paradise for bees and butterflies Gail, long may it be so....
A beautiful series of shots!
ReplyDeleteThat is one butterfly that I have not seen here, although my guide says they can be found in Maine. The light caught his colors just perfectly.
BTW, I like your bottle tree.
Ruellia, yay! P.S. How is Frances always the first to comment on any post you do? Is she psychic? :)
ReplyDeleteYour garden, dear Gail, is a delightful haven for all of God's creatures who drop by, including me :) Farewell August ... hello 'Sweet September'!
ReplyDeleteI know I commented at length on your last post which moved me a great deal and it seems to have vanished away! I love this one too. Whenever I get a sense of being overwhelmed by weeds or the very easy sensation here when gardening on the edge that all is tipping over into chaos I am comforted by a visit from a friend who knows a lot about butterflies. To her my garden is a haven and a paradise and she reminds me of what I am really striving for. Oregano and sedum are covered with butterflies here just now.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your post. Just last week was the first time ever we saw a Buckeye butterfly. My husband was so excited to get a picture of it.
ReplyDeleteLove the buried wooden bench.
You are very handsome indeed!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, Yes, I have a non gardening friend who always supports my garden and what I'm doing~She never makes me feel like it's a big mess! We are lucky aren't we! She's been reading your blog, by the way!
ReplyDeleteYou did comment, but i think it showed up in the Wildflower Wednesday post~don't ask me how! Blogger did it!
Monica, Frances wakes up the roosters! She is a very early to rise! gail
ReplyDeleteHow kind of the buckeye to pose for you! He is anything but common, I agree.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I love this butterfly, instead of the name bing common is should be "gorgeous buckeye!"
ReplyDeleteGail: Stunning photos! I was away for the weekend and noticed Buckeyes everywhere I went. They are just so gorgeous and they flit around and sun themselves on the pathways. Yes, I think they really are the show you've been waiting for!
ReplyDeleteI know the butterflies love your garden Gail. It's perfect for them. I also agree the Buckeye is anything but common. I've never seen one here but we've had more butterflies in general this year than last too. I'm glad something else likes the heat (other than me!).
ReplyDeleteLove the buckeye butterfly. Just gorgeous. I've not seen one of these. Do you know which states it inhabits?
ReplyDelete