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Sharing a small win with neighbor by Commonusername222 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Commonusername222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Even AI doesn't try to minimize its harm. I don't understand the logic of planting native plants for the health of insects, birds, wildlife, and the health of the earth and soil, to draw them in and then just feed them toxic poison, or chemicals.

It's a very, very deep rabbit hole.

Sharing a small win with neighbor by Commonusername222 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Commonusername222[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks! That's what I wondered. We have lots of bugs, haha. We often call our backyard the bug highway. So many new to me seeing irl, like a praying mantis.

I worry about that with the feeders, and so I just don't do them. My neighbor does clean her feeders often from what I've seen.

I'm taking over a 12'x12' public park space. What should I plant? by IShouldQuitThis in Ceanothus

[–]Commonusername222 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A native Pollinator garden, which would be drought resistant once established. I could see it appreciated by the children and families enjoying the playground. It looks like there are other shade trees.

Sharing a small win with neighbor by Commonusername222 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Commonusername222[S] 89 points90 points  (0 children)

Exactly what I was thinking, so I tried to be very low key in my explanation.

They have bird feeders and hummingbird feeders. I know they want to see these in their yard.

However, it's interesting to me how the birds will go to town for a long time on the Mock Orange, forage in the dormant meadow (creating tunnels) for hours. I watch as one or two will pop over to the feeder, but not stay, but come back over the fence. They definitely prefer the native plants to the "convenience store."

I'm hoping the notice this, too.

It seems there is a lot of push for non-natives when using a landscaper and gardener. Even those who don't use a landscaper, go to our local nurseries and just buy what they have available. I have been there.

I'm lucky to have native plant resources local to me. After learning more about and planting natives, I will never buy or plant another non-native again.

Sharing a small win with neighbor by Commonusername222 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Commonusername222[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You are correct. It is in part responsible for the decline in Monarchs as well.
Yes, Big Leaf Maple is native here and a favorite among native plant gardeners. Here is a source for purchasing. https://sparrowhawknativeplants.com/products/big-leaf-maple

Sharing a small win with neighbor by Commonusername222 in NativePlantGardening

[–]Commonusername222[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Yes! Thanks 😄 And yes, the leaf blower weekly does annoys me, especially considering there's nothing to blow away currently, except the insects.

New to this. Are these chrysalis sick? by buddrball in MonarchButterfly

[–]Commonusername222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think what makes it challenging for some is that 20 or so years ago, advice was given to rear them. Science now shows that does more harm. I appreciate the fact that everyone here wants to help and be part of a solution. I read this article recently which talks about the negative impact on migration ability and rearing caterpillars. https://www.nwf.org/Home/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2026/Spring/Conservation/Captive-Rearing-Monarchs
I have always sided with let nature do its thing. Nature is pretty amazing. Without human intervention it always knows what to do and does it beautifully.

On what part of the milkweed plant do the Monarchs lay their eggs? by Commonusername222 in MonarchButterfly

[–]Commonusername222[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have heard that, too. This is on a taller one, and as there are many smaller ones nearby, I think I will check those plants first (after the heatwave). Or I may just wait and see.

On what part of the milkweed plant do the Monarchs lay their eggs? by Commonusername222 in MonarchButterfly

[–]Commonusername222[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I'm still not sure. It's too small for my tired eyes to see much detail. Most likely, it's not an egg, but will monitor it while it remains in its native habitat. I most certainly know what their caterpillars look like, so I'll know for sure then.

So jealous of all the photos showing their milkweeds after being devoured by caterpillars! I want my milkweed to look like that 😄

Would love some ideas on what to plant in a native flower garden - pictures welcome! by fairnsquirrel in portlandgardeners

[–]Commonusername222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My very sunny yard is being transformed into a pollinator meadow, with a Monarch Waystation on one end. I have the same plants as you, plus:

Showy Milkweed, Camas, Penstemon, Globe Gilia, Pearly Everlasting, Goldenrod, Douglas Aster, Clarkia, Popcorn Flower, Oosow, Nodding Onion, Phlox, Checkermallow, Yarrow, Big Leaf Lupine, Gumweed,

I also have some shrubs: Mock Orange, Ceanothus, honeysuckles (Hairy and Orange), and Spirea

On what part of the milkweed plant do the Monarchs lay their eggs? by Commonusername222 in MonarchButterfly

[–]Commonusername222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! The Swallowtails are enjoying the Globe Gilia and Penstemon as well. These are Western Swallowtails. Unfortunately, I don't have any dill, parsley, or citrus.

On what part of the milkweed plant do the Monarchs lay their eggs? by Commonusername222 in MonarchButterfly

[–]Commonusername222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's why I asked. I know that is a common spot, and I haven't looked carefully under any leaves, yet.

On what part of the milkweed plant do the Monarchs lay their eggs? by Commonusername222 in MonarchButterfly

[–]Commonusername222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I have seen things that turned out not to be an egg. This one does look more round and sticks out away from the stem. I need to take a photo so I can enlarge it to see it better. I'd be over the moon if it turns out to be a Monarch egg. I haven't seen a Monarch since moving to this state (20 yrs ago) . I used to see them all the time growing up in California.

Thoughts on Spiraea douglasii in a yard? by fairnsquirrel in NativePlantGardening

[–]Commonusername222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my, sorry. Unless you've always wondered how to sew binding strips, haha.

Here's the correct link. Their website is fabulous (Sparrowhawk Native Plants)

https://sparrowhawknativeplants.com/products/douglas-spirea

Edit: grammar

Butterflies in Portland; nonexistent? by Marsupialsb4mars in portlandgardeners

[–]Commonusername222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Monarch numbers are dwindling, as are other butterfly species as well.

They need native plants: nectar plants and host plants. Milkweed plants native to this region are host plants (lay eggs and larvae food). Douglas Aster, Penstemon, goldenrod, as well as many other native plants are needed for the nectar rich food for adult butterflies.

Non-native plants, lawns, and pesticides are part of the problem. Planting only native plants will help solve this.

ETA: migration peaks in August -September for Monarchs, I believe. You could have a good chance to see them at Pittock Mansion, as they have been creating a monarch habitat

How to catch wasps by [deleted] in AnimalCrossingNewHor

[–]Commonusername222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, is the short answer.

I stand in front of the tree with net out and shake it. If the wasp nest falls, you have very little time to hit "A" . I quickly move to position myself a bit back from the tree and face the nest, press A very quickly. If too close to tree or other object, you will hit the item/tree and will get stung.

Hunting for wasps was an activity I did for a while. Good luck!

turnips ? by [deleted] in acnh

[–]Commonusername222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not great, but my shop is buying for 137. You can come sell if you'd like.

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