

Welcome
to my Garden
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Rose Bechard -Butman, has over 20 years experience working with garden clubs in Alexandria Va., Washington D.C., Cape Cod and Florida. She is a Past President of Moringa Garden Circle and Chairman for Fort Lauderdale Federation of Garden Circles Civic Improvement and Scholarship Programs. She is a Master gardener and owner of Longstem Garden Consultation.
![]() ![]() In 2006, my Garden was nominated for a 2006 Emerald Award, the highest environmental award given in Broward County. See Photos : Ponds of Pleasure
Bromeliads , orchids and anthiriums, ferns, voodoo lily, roses and day lilies co-exist in this eclectic garden. I
captured this Black Swallowtail (formerly called the Eastern Black
Swallowtail)
dabbling in the dill. The Black Swallowtail (Papilio
polyxenes)
ranges from the Rocky Mountains east from S. Canada to the Gulf of
Mexico.
It prefers open habitats including meadows, weed fields, gardens, parks
and ridges.
The Black Swallowtail caterpillar is a common garden pest. It feeds on plants that are members of the carrot family (parsley, dill, fennel, anise) so, when you plant your herb garden, be sure to plant some for yourself and some for butterfly babies! The female form of this species as well as the Spice Bush Swallowtail and the female of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, closely resembles the Pipevine Swallowtail. This effective mimicry helps protect the species. Once birds have ingested the foul tasting Pipevine Swallowtail they avoid the more palatable species that resemble their "yucky" tasting friends. Of the approximate 560 species of swallowtails worldwide, Florida is home to 10, more than any other state in the United States. One of the easiest ways to identify which butterfly your watching is to see which plant it lands on. For instance, if the butterfly with similar markings as the Black Swallowtail was on the next plant chances are it would be the Pipevine Swallowtail looking for a spot to lay her eggs. The caterpillars feed on various species of the Pipevine (so called because its flowers resemble a Dutchman's pipe) and the butterflies that emerge are quite distasteful because of the chemicals contained in the leaves of the pipevine the caterpillar ingested. Here are two varieties of my ARISTOLOCHIA (calico flower) Where caterpillars are in hog heaven!
Elegans = The smaller, more common, variety known as “Dutchman's pipe" (3" wide flower) Gigantea = large, maroon colored flower 6"- 8" inches Grandiflora = super large white colored flower 12" inches |
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Rose Bechard
Butman is a garden consultant. If you wish to ask her any
questions
regarding the availability of her plants or their care she invites you
to email her at labud@comcast.net
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