Hank the Tank and butterfly bush

A butterfly enjoys the butterfly bush while Hank the Tank walks through the garden.

July harvest

A quick run through my gardens brought in cucumbers, squash, beets, peppers and green beans.

A big and fat swallowtail cat on one of my fennel plants. I have six fennel pots and some planted in my butterfly garden.

Flower Bed, Front Yard

If you are thinking of designing a flower bed you may want to consider perennials that attract butterflies. My front bed includes bee balm, fennel, day lilies, cone flowers, butterfly bush and honeysuckle. The previous owner had only periwinkles--a nice little flower that likes hot sun. But this way, I don't have to replant anything--all these plants pop up each spring.

This June bug got caught in a spider's web and was in the process of being subdued when I took the shot.

The swallows finally left the nest and stay out all day. They return in the evening and sit on the chimes before climbing back into their nest for the night.

Baby swallows and sunflower

The baby swallows a week later--just about ready to fly. below, one of the many sunflowers that have blossomed in my yard this week