Life Cycles & Fairies

Milkweed isn't the most attractive bush in our flower planting area; but this time of year, it is Monarch caterpillar and butterfly central.  I can see them fluttering over the front porch planting area all day long.  They are busy laying eggs on the leaves and feeding on the nectar of its flowers. 

I think the reason I like Milkweed is that it is so full of life.  From its fast growing habit, its flowers, pods, and seed clusters, to the ongoing Monarch life cycle we can see unfolding every day. 

Like the chickens in our backyard, it is just fun to sit and watch it go through its life cycles.

The girls and I wonder what fun the fairies must have on these fluffy seeds at night...

...while keeping an eye on Mr. Caterpillar.

Oh well, the party must come to an end this afternoon, when I go out there and cut off the dozens of seed pods that are ready to burst.  We can't have thousands of milkweed bushes growing all over the place!

I am linking with Weekly Nature Notes,  Fertilizer Friday, and Macro Monday.