Golden Alexanders

I went to a talk on gardening for butterflies Sunday afternoon.  I wish I would have thought to suggest Golden Alexanders, Zizia aurea as a host plant for black swallowtails during the question and comment time.  I decided to do a blog post, since I've been neglecting my blog, and post a link to it on Facebook, where I've been spending my former blogging time.

The photos did not load in order.  This is from early spring, so it's probably the May 19 one.  I can see the blue amsonia of some kind in the background.  I enjoy these early bloomers.

I included a couple with insects on them.  I am not sure what this little critter is, but I see from my notes, it is from June 6.

I always like it when blooms benefit more than one kind of critter.

The next couple must be the end of May. 

I planted the ones near the bicycle a few years later than the ones across the sidewalk.  They tend to bloom a little later than the more mature ones.

This must be June 7.  These are self sowers, but are easy to hoe, pull, or dig up to share.  Can you tell they are in the carrot family?

I ended up cutting back some of the plants last year, because they developed a disease or something, with spots on the leaves.  There were plenty of other plants around to fill any gaps.  Thankfully, the plants regrew clean leaves.  Plus, the black swallowtail caterpillars had nice fresh leaves to eat.

I am pleased to see signs of spring.  I tripped over our granddaughter in the grocery store a few weeks ago, and sprained my wrist.  It is not fully healed, and it hurts to grip things, so I will need to do my garden clean up small amounts at a time.  I hope all is well with you!,