What Sort Of Fly Loves Bread?… A Butterfly!
This last weekend was quite the monumental weekend! First we leap forward so now our days last a lot longer and the Liberals got a new leader and by quite a landslide. The acceptance speech and the I regret I didn’t win but I’ll still be a good Liberal by watching your steps were good. The best however was Mr Jean Chretien with his comment directed at that idiot running the US of A. “From one old guy to another old guy…STOP THIS NONSENSE!’ It was great!
Although my main weather station says that this last Sunday should have been rain with a possible mix of snow we only received a sprinkle. Most of the snow in the yard is gone which looks great. I also have a few Lady Bugs starting to appear, a few flies and one stink bug a few more sign of spring. I am also on the watch for a sign of Wasps the queen should be appearing soon and I will evict her post haste. While watching the news a few days back there was a mention of the problems Butterfly species are having and it mentioned a decline in population over the last 20 years of up to 50% (some species even higher) and this seems to happening everywhere. The reasons vary and include higher temperatures due to climate change, disease, loss of habitat, invasive plants and unfortunately pesticides. These same issues are actually affecting all insects.
There are over 100 different species of Butterfly and they all go through egg, larvae, pupa, then adult changes over their lifetime which varies widely depending on their location. It also varies as to whether they over winter as eggs or as pupa or even go dormant as an adult in a survivable location. Many travel great distances like the Monarch Butterfly but this takes several generations and no one individual does the entire marathon. Although the Larvae stage can do some minor damage as they feed their overall presence is good as some eat insects like aphids and ants they also are a major pollinator of plants, crops and fruit trees as well as bring joy to the heart. In the Okanagan we have a good variety and in the southern ranges some will be emerging now as it is warmer and drier.
However due to habitat loss of some of the major spring plants (Antelope-Brush) they are not doing well. This loss of habitat is a result of overgrazing, urban development including golf courses, vineyards, orchards, invasive plants, fires and off road vehicle use. Although we are unable to change some things there are many things we can do including making our yard a haven that will help to some degree while we take joy in their appearance. One thing is most critical the banning of insecticide use then we can plant crops and plants that will help support them through their changes. It is not hard or expensive. The idea is to have flowers and plants in flower from early spring into late fall. Early spring Heather and Pussy Will work well then later in spring Alyssum, Hyacinth, Oregon grape, most fruit trees. In late spring Sweet William, Bee Balm and Lilac they love. Summer should contain Oregano, Sunflowers, ConeflowersHolly Hock, Bergamot, Phlox, Sumac, Zinnia and Butterfly Bush, then Sage, Sedum, Daisies , Stinging Nettle, Yarrow and Asters to finish up the year. As they do not have an actual moth with teeth they rely on a straw like feature that allows them to take up nectar. They will also benefit with an area of moist soil where they can get some water and needed minerals. The joy of having them in your yard will be well worth it!
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
