by Donna Lewis
Hello everyone,
As promised, I am showing you photos of my pollinator garden through all 12 months of 2021. You can get an idea of what changes take place.
My garden is 95% native plants and trees. That fact has made it more resilient to temperature and other factors making it easier to manage. Even now I have a few Monarchs, Fritillaries, Swallowtails, Sulphurs, and a host of other butterflies.
It is pretty warm in the garden so many plants like Salvia and Blue Mist Flower still have nectar to provide. Today it is cloudy and windy, not a good day for the butterflies to be out and about. The garden also has more shade now because of the location of the sun. Butterflies need sun to warm their bodies. They cannot regulate their own temperature.
The leaves are starting to cover the open areas and the plants. This provides the needed cover to protect living things from chilly weather. I have tree frogs moving around under the vines. You can find chrysalis of several butterfly species under branches and along the fencing. Yes, it might look messy, but not for the wild things.
As I like to remind all of us who love nature… you must remember who you are gardening for? Look at the garden from the bird and butterflies’ point of view.
Soon it will be time for the winter nap.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 
Donna’s wildlife support in her gardens and bird houses is probably unmatched in Milam county, and likely broader. A Naturalist for sure!
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