08/07/2026
We have almost all of the native species we grow, and many others, planted on our property. If we can facilitate their growth habit, we want to garden with native plants ourselves, have examples and take pictures. With around 200 species planted, we have also seen many of them act as host plants firsthand.
We are especially excited because last year we planted 3 Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia tomentosa) plants. This is a host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly. We have never seen one of these beauties visiting our property. But sure enough a few weeks ago we found this small clutch of caterpillars on our plants and about 3 weeks later we are still seeing these three large ones almost ready to transform.
It is truly amazing how quickly and precisely pollinator species (even the rare ones!) find what they need if we give them the opportunity. Build it and they will come. The more types of plants you include, the more variation in visitors you will receive.
