Category: Vines

  • Attract Monarch Butterflies and Caterpillars

    Attract Monarch Butterflies and Caterpillars

    A couple of months ago I planted a few Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) on a whim. For this reason, within hours, possibly minutes, butterflies started gathering on the plants. Consequently, this morning, as I topped off the bird baths I found two Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars. Here’s the secret to attracting butterflies. Choose plants butterflies like…

  • Blue Holly and Bittersweet

    Blue Holly and Bittersweet

    I stepped out of my truck today and viewed gorgeous blue holly (Ilex x meserveae sp.) and bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) growing in a tangled mess. If you live in a cave you should know that bittersweet is invasive in Connecticut and against the law to plant.  You’ll often see it growing along the side of the road.…

  • Wisteria – Mother Nature Trumps Man Every Time

    Wisteria – Mother Nature Trumps Man Every Time

    Last week I saw a wisteria in full bloom weeping from a blasted ledge.  No matter how hard I try to create beautiful landscapes mother nature can beat me without trying. If you’re driving down Whitney Avenue in Trumbull, CT in early-May keep your eyes open for the wisteria on the ledge between the entrance to…