butterfly garden update

As you may recall, early this Spring we did our first controlled burn in our struggling Butterfly Garden. Pulling Weeds, over seeding, and a whole lot of over thinking, were not enough to make butterfly garden dreams come true.

We inherited an area of sky high piled yunk wood in 2016. The garden started with weeds much taller than us humans. Wide open areas are a haven for ruthless weeds. 

Growing anything in sandy loam besides invasive weeds is slow and challenging. I have been learning the hard way. By trial and error. Seeds don't take as easy and purchased perennials seem to wither beyond their first year. One can only assume from a lack of nutrients and consistent moisture. Adapting to growing anything in sandy soil is a work in progress. 

There are times I have to remind myself of my gardening motto: Grow what Grows for You. 

The garden was planted in 2022. The butterfly garden dream was: One half (wing) would be perennials and the other mostly bfly loving annuals. Keeping a curvy path down the middle would allow immersion. Silly homemade deelly bobber antennas would be added to one end. Fostering wonder and smiles. Among other things, we talked about also possibly adding a bench.

2023 was our most active butterfly year. Only one year after the initial planting. Not the typical 3-5 years for plants and gardens to establish. Thanks to annuals. Despite my best efforts, annuals do not grow well anymore. No clue why. They were self & reseeding so nicely. This leaves me not so patiently waiting for native perennials to do their thing.

The butterfly garden was suppose to be low maintenance. Before we moved here, I decided to retire from gardening in the ground. Wellll, that didn't work. Guess I can't help myself. Growing plants is in my blood!! Both indoor and outdoor. I am a good candidate for PAA (Plant-Aholics Anonymous).

The Butterfly Garden was initially Brad's idea. Many of my past gardens evolved from less desirable mowing spots. Our agreement was: If we could not get the big garden to be lower maintenance, it would get plowed under. It would not bother me a bit. Been there. Done that. It wouldn't be my first time saying good-bye to a butterfly garden. The first was (with permission) in a public park as a Girl Scout leader. Watering (and accountability) became an issue. That year turned out to be a tough drought year.

Seeing weeds spread and choke out flowering plants that I am trying to nurture bothers me. I was ready to stop fighting the weeds and fire up the mower. Instead, we decided to try Plan C. A controlled burn. I think it worked? Kinda. Sorta. It has been very interesting to see what survived the burn, and what did not. Control burning a flowering garden/prairie area is a first for me. Each week or so, another plant reveals itself. Often not where it was originally planted.

6.26.26

Plants returning to date: One purchased Native Coneflower returned. One. I see no sign of other native coneflowers started/seeded plants that grew. The fancier garden varieties that had previously returned, apparently perished. 

Orange Butterfly Weed not only survived, but spread!! One plant was purchased, others started from seed. I also spread chilled seeds, that take years to even begin to grow.

Hello Yellow Butterfly Weed not only survived, but also spread!! I started these indoors from seed. The seeds are harder to find than the standard orange variety.  

I am watching for Liatris blooms. Some of the plants did return after the burn. They usually bloom later in Summer for me. 

No signs of Black Eyed Susans. These tender perennials have never done well for me. Here or at my previous home. I've tried growing them in every way. Perhaps they will show up eventually. It could happen.

Returning blooms from earlier in the season:

Lupine
5.19.26

Hairy Beard Tongue
(started indoors from seed)
6.5.26

Hawkweed?

Self planted weed, growing everywhere. I will most likely have to pull some, so it doesn't take over.

More recent sightings:

Hoary Vervain 
7.3.26

Finally, a real butterfly in this years garden!

As you can see I made peace with letting grasses grow, along with what I consider weeds. Some are beneficial. The Monarch above seems to appreciates them.

yellow coneflowers have spread and doing well (from plants & seeds)
7.12.26

thriving together

A surprise Red Catchfly (aka Red Campion)
7.15.26

looks like more than one :)

Future plans: Another early Spring controlled burn. Also, watching for native plants to go on sale. I would like to continue adding a few key plants each year. However, the plants are pricey! More seeds will be spread, although I honestly don't feel seeding is effective here. Regardless I will continue collecting, saving and spreading seeds. Some seeds are easier to collect than others. Jury is out on the path & the fun antenna deely bobbers :)

The rest will be up to Mother Nature.

right on time

In April, I spotted healthier prickly pear pads growing. More than usual. I guessed it would be a banner year for big beautiful yellow cactus blooms. An abundance of not so Hidden Cactus are blooming strong this year. If you can see easily them, be warned there are even more pads hidden. When you are off the beaten path, be careful where you step!

First bloom this season was spotted in an area at the bottom of our property that I call Cactus Cove. The dogs and I frequently walk past it. I keep the dogs out of there and other known prickly area's. For obvious reasons.

first Prickly Pear Cactus bloom
(Opuntia genus) 6.22.26

A few days later, Brad asked if I had seen any cactus blooming on our property. He told me an area we rarely use had a lot of them. I couldn't wait to drive the side-by-side over to see what I could see. Wow!!! He was not kidding! 

too many blooms to count (47 secs)

We frequented this area the first year we owned our land (2016). It was the only existing entrance/way to access our property. We thought perhaps it would be a good home site. We quickly changed our mind. There is something to be said for revisiting an area to get a feel for it. 

6.27.26

I was worried the cacti might cause tire issues and dug them out of the sandy entrance way in 2016. The cactus I dug out bloomed. Even when exposed and heaped on a pile.

intricate blooms

With the area undisturbed, the cacti have come back in force. We have learned to love them, and even named our place after them: Hidden Cactus Ranch. 

papery blooms

so delicate and fierce at the same time

birds of a feather

Birds of a feather do not always stick together. The typical "I am bigger than you are" bird feeder squabbles happen fairly regularly. Scolding for being too close to a nest one can't see -or- squawking "fill our feeders" reminders also happen. 

We have seen more unusual birdee interactions this past week. Walking in our woods, I watched a male Cardinal aggressively chase a Blue Jay away. An Oriole closely followed the action.

Ruffled feathers of Red, Blue, followed by Orange were first heard then sighted, not far overhead. I was glad they kept their squabble amongst themselves.

.................

On a semi-related note, Brad finally got our first crop hay baled. Without getting rained upon! Not for the lack of wishing he could bale earlier. Considering our weather, it was nothing short of a miracle. 104 large square bales left our property! A record for us. All sold to a repeat buyer. It sure feels good to see hay off our fields. You would be surprised how many people watch and share the status of neighboring fields. Along with their own (cough, cough Brad).

Brad raking hay (6.21.26)

While our hay was down drying, numerous crows and other critters were having their own hay-day. One particular Turkey Vulture kept swooping close to our house roof line. Over and over. It made me concerned. They soar over head regularly, but never come close. Perhaps something perished in the surrounding field.

field behind our house (20 secs)

The following day, a Turkey Vulture once again circled low. Swooping over our house. It flew close to Cierra. She gave the bird a big tail swoosh and glance. The bird landed elsewhere in the pasture. Perhaps Turkey Vultures speak horse. It briefly ate what I assume was undigested seed, before taking flight. It went back to doing the soaring they are so well know for. 

We both stopped what we were doing and watched the action in wonder from our deck.

I couldn't resist the unexpected photo opportunity. I hustled inside to grab my big camera. Of course it was packed away. No time to change settings. I shot the way it was set. Some of the action didn't turn out clear, but I did get a few images to share. Note to self; My tracking was off. I am rusty!

Turkey Vulture

Shortly after, a second large winged wonder joined the soaring vulture. 

It didn't take long to recognize it was a Red-tailed Hawk. 

These two spread their wings and shared the open sky nicely. They circled together, not far from us. Almost as if dancing, over the field shown in the video above. The field, not the dance.

Until a band of Crows half their size came out of nowhere and chased them away.

What an noisy aerial show that was!! Caught us by surprise. It happened so fast. I didn't even get a single shot fired off.

Red-tailed Hawk

I was reminded how long I waited for one of my favorite in-flight photos. Taken over a decade ago. Back when I was really into photography.

We lived near a rock quarry. For years, I watched what I believe was a juvenile Red-tailed hawk flying the same pattern over our house. Usually landing in a backyard tree. I couldn't tell you how many times I grabbed my camera and ran outside. Only to be disappointed. The hawk frequently saw me and flew away. I started to notice it would call out shortly after leaving the quarry. I listened and watched for it. A lot.

One fine day, I managed to be in the right place at the right time.

I first saw the hawk way off in the distance. Grabbed my camera and ran to stand where he could not see me. Camera pointed towards the sky. Standing on our deck. With baited breath. Listening for the hawk to approach. Waiting. Waiting. More waiting. I could not see the hawk, but I could hear him approaching. It was then, he crossed over our garage roof line. Saw me, locked eyes and for a brief second was suspended in air. I will never forget it. The look of surprise on that hawks face was priceless!!

Click!! Gotcha!!!

  

a different focus

I decided to dust off my camera and head to the river in hopes of finding eagles fishing. I have not road tripped/hauled my camera anywhere in a very long time. I barely even use my camera at home. Convincing myself to pack up and go took time. I lost beautiful early morning light and probably more eagles fishing.

how many eagles do you see?

my answer: a lot

get ready

It didn't take long to realize I was rusty not only at tracking, but predicting the action. My one touch down shot was a blurry mess (deleted). I am well aware this series of photos are soft. Hoping to try again with a few adjustments ex. no lens adaptor. I can do better, even without ideal equipment.

heading back

spotted this eagle from a different vantage point
it was not budging

Regardless, I had fun on my little road trip with me, myself and I. It was nice to focus on something different, and forget the heaviness of life for a little while. It reminded me how much I enjoy the challenge of tracking/predicting moving things.

immature eagle

2.9.2026

New Year wishes

Wishing each of you a Healthy & Happy New Year!!

~~~

2025 seasonal card



inside stamped sentiment



back of card

~~~

Thank you all, for your continued Blogger friendships! I love reading, learning and interacting with each of you!! 2026 is going to be a great year. If I say it enough, it could happen LOL!

I look forward to unfolding, unpacking and letting go of that which feels heavy. Another year of sharing and caring, learning, reconnecting and expanding horizons.

All my best to you for 2026!!

hummingbird day

Hummingbird Day came and went. Just like the birds themselves will do all too soon. It seems everything has a day. I did not know about Hummingbird Day (Sept 6th) until I heard about it on the news. Our big-little city zoo celebrated by offering hummingbird related crafts and free kiddo stuff. It sure sounded like fun but was no doubt mobbed.

The following day, my daughter and I attended another stained glass workshop. We made hummingbirds! Now every day is hummingbird day at my house. 

my very own hummer
9.7.25

So interesting how the colors constantly change, twinkle and reflect. 



same birdee as above

shadows provoke thought

Hummingbirds are entertaining wonders of nature and provide us with endless smiles. They will be migrating south sometime later this month-ish, and will be missed. 

9.2.25

I maintain a three port window feeder and four port hanging feeder for them. The feeders are up early April-late September. I leave the window feeder up for several weeks after I stop seeing them. Just incase.

Our Hummers have multiplied and would probably use more feeders, but IMO that is what flowers are for. I grow many of their well known favorites. To name a few, Salvias, Penstemon (aka Beards Tongue) Fuchsias etc. Altho the winged wonders visit all my flowers, regardless of shape or color.

dahlia's attract hummers



feeding on fuschia

I have been sneaking outside lately to try (key word try) and capture the fast fluttering wings. Sneaking doesn't work so well. Hummers are smart birds! Hanging around in stillness works better. It is challenging to "stop" their motion either way. 

Fairly certain those photographed are either young and/or female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. I have not seen the red throated male hummers lately. Perhaps they already started migrating.

gotcha

A Hummingbirds chirp is so distinct. It makes me smile and sounds more like a cute "squeak". These birds are known for returning to the same location. Not sure, they all look so similar. 

Safe upcoming travels to my little flutter friends. IF Summer ever leaves lol. I will look forward to seeing them return next year! 

farewell summer? horse update

Labor Day holiday weekend marks a passage of time in several ways. At least at our household. Among some personal things, Summer's crazy @ss weather finally shows welcome signs of change. The WI State Quarter Horse final show of the season is always held on Labor Day weekend. 

Brad is continuing to enjoy reconnecting with Padame. After two off/on years dealing with her bouts of lameness, their partnership is growing stronger. They are having good weekly lessons and a lot of practice rides and time together during horse shows. However, Brad decided prior to the last show that they were not ready. He did not show Padame this season. His trainer showed her in Ranch Classes at the State show. They are both happy with Padame's progress. This was her third show this season. 

Sorry no photos. I did not attend this show as planned. New issues with one of my knees is severely restricting my mobility - and - both of our chore back ups were out of town. Brad came home from the show to help with chores each day Tuesday-Friday. Some folks stay onsite for 7 days! Saturday the Ranch classes ran late. Thankfully we have good horses with manners that are willing to walk at the pace of hobble!

Before all this, I took advantage of nice weather and managed a photo-a-horse. Without fly masks. Which is rare on a Summer Day around here. Doing what our horses do every day. Stand around grazing/eating. Not very exciting for an action loving photographer. The main reason/s you don't see many posts or photos of our horses on this blog. 

.................

A brief horse update in descending order of age:

Harmony (25 yrs old)

Harmony continues to be our easiest keeper. She raised Cierra, and now Hope. Hope really (really) loves her! If you asked Harmony, she would rather be turned out with Nemo. Not much to share about her. Happy to say all continues well with our daughter's girl.

trio of looks

Harmony, Hope and Koda (L-R)

Koda (18 years old)

Koda continues retired from riding. His lameness all but disappeared by using Streamz Bands, but has since returned. Likely due to the added stomping of flies. We make quite a pair gimping through the arena to come inside at night. What has not returned is his turn out/in agitation. Koda remains much calmer while using the bands.  No clue why, other than they help him feel better.

Our new lameness game plan is getting him trimmed every four weeks (vs six). Brads idea. It has helped Padame. Our farrier agreed it was worth trying. He mentioned about 200 lbs of pressure is added for every centimeter of toe growth.

Nemo (18 years old)

Nemo was born the day after Koda on the same farm. They are related but polar opposites in every way. Sadly, they can no longer be turned out together.

So far, there are no signs of his chronic bladder calcium build up. Knock on wood! I am convinced the difference has to do with Brad's expert field management, growing quality hay.

Nemo continues to self control his allergies during turn out. With the help of maintenance allergy shots. It is really obvious when his allergies get to be too much for him. Nemo's human staff brings him inside as needed. Being away from the elements quickly calms allergies down.

Nemo and Cierra enjoying the lower pasture

Cierra (15 years old)

Cierra's allergies made Summer challenging for her. I think it shows. We are doing the best we can to help Cierra breath normally and live her best life. She is such a sweet girl! Having Summer stingers gone is ideal for her.
 

I previously wrote about Brad tuning Cierra up and bringing her out of retirement for show practice under judges. It was a great idea and gave Brad confidence showing a horse he knows so well.

Checkers and Cierra were long time show buddies and remembered each other :)

(L-R) Brad & Cierra, Trainer riding Checkers with her owner standing.

(Borrowed photo was shared with me)

Hope (2 years old)

Hope is doing well. Over the Summer she was allowed to be a young growing horse, with intermittent lessons. She is always open and eager to learn. Brad really enjoys working with young horses. Hope takes everything she is presented with fairly easy. She continues to be handled at least twice daily, as with all our horses. Hope will get her teeth floated for the first time early Fall.

.................

When I started this post, our weather had cooled off and greatly improved. We have since returned to Summer weather :( Mosquitos have re-hatched and increased in numbers. I have never experienced anything like this.

Here is a short clip of the three dog walk I took yesterday, as we approach our woods. I almost turned around and headed back home. Almost.

9/11/25 (7 secs)