One of three Vitex (Lilac chastetree) in the Matzke Park Butterfly Garden was attracting bees with beautiful blooms today.  

Gaura lindheimeri gently waves in the breeze with small butterfly-like flowers of pink or white dancing on long slender stems.  Not only is It water-wise, but it attracts hummingbirds too, loves the sun and blooms most of the year.  Prune some to keep it full and attractive.  The foliage on White Gaura is green and grows to about 3’ tall, while the foliage on ‘Pink Blush’ is burgundy and grows to only about 1 ½’ tall.  We have pink in the garden. 

Wow!  There was a lot going on in the garden today.  Photos were being taken among the flowers and of a new garden sign.  The poppies and dill are at seed, kids are excitedly reading the new signs between themselves and to their parents, and the new plants from the grant have found their spots.  Gulf Coast Frittillaries are in caterpillar form among the Passion Flowers which, by the way were blooming today,  and a few adults were flitting about the nectar flowers.  

The flex hose purchased last year reaches the entire garden for easier watering of our young plants.  They need a thorough but gentle drinsing daily this week.  Come out to see the new color and give us a hand while you are there, if possible.

Snapdragons (Antirrkinum majus)  blooming in Foster Bed April 2014.  It is a host and nectar flower that attracks the Common Buckeye Butterfly and Hummingbirds.  

Dwarf Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus 
'Little John'Item #1440 USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 11
Blood red blooms cover the top of this dwarf grower for an extended season. Dense branches are covered with blue-green leaves. Versatile compact size is perfect for today's smaller gardens. Evergreen.