October Imagery and Notes
The transition to fall is underway in October, but it seems a bit slower this year with the warmer temperatures. The attention of pollinators shifted from goldenrods to asters, particularly our latest bloomers… the aromatic asters (Raydon’s Favorite, October Skies, and straight species). There is still some butterfly and caterpillar activity. We are on the…
Video Series on Asters, Goldenrods and Coneflowers
Terri and I have done presentations about asters, goldenrods, and coneflowers to several groups. We heard they were helpful, so we took sections of the presentation and created a series of videos. The series includes: Part 1: Overview, Classification, the Asteraceae Family (Length ~ 6:16) Part 2: Asters (Length ~ 10:25) Part 3: Goldenrods (Length…
September Imagery and Notes
In September, the landscape is full of contrasts. Many plants are heading to dormancy with blooms spent and in some cases ready to cast about their trove of seeds. Other plants are just hitting their stride. Goldenrods are changing the topology of beds as they shoot up above their neighbors with masses of small sunny…
Biodiversity at Catchfly Commons
We use iNaturalist to identify and record our observations of biodiversity on our property. To get a good sense of biodiversity here, visit the “Catchfly Commons” project page in iNaturalist. You do not need to be an iNaturalist user to view it. On the page you will find all of our observations over the years…
Like Us on Facebook!
This is just a reminder that we have a Facebook page as well as our blog/website. We use the Facebook page to share photos, observations, and news between our periodic blog posts. Like us on Facebook! Here are a couple of recent examples from the Facebook page.
August Imagery and Notes
August has been delightful so far. The pace is different… lingering now is a way of being in the garden. We are in maintenance mode so more time is available to enjoy and be present (plus photography). Insects are lingering as well. Four or five monarchs have taken up residence. They flit and sail along…
Open Garden Sept 20, 2025 (10am – 3pm)
This September we are hosting an Open Garden to enjoy the beauty of asters and goldenrods. In April we welcomed spring blooms and in July the robust colors of the season’s peak. Now as we enter fall, we delight in vivid blues and golds as the garden starts to wane. Add to Calendar | Directions…
Mothing Night (8.4.2025)
Last Monday night we did some family mothing. After some yummy S’mores and Jiffy Pop, our adult daughter, son-in-law, three year old grandson, Terri, and I hunted for caterpillars using blacklight flashlights. I also set up a mothing sheet. Our set up uses a stretched white sheet with both a reptile heat lamp (in lieu…
July Vistas
The first half of July provided peak blooms and color in the landscape! We hope our Open Garden visitors enjoyed the show. Something new this month is drone imagery! Following the notes below, there are sections of drone imagery, July photos, and then landscape videos. July Notes Drone Imagery It is hard to convey Catchfly…
Thank You July Guests!
Despite the heat, we had a wonderful turn out for our July 5, 2025 open garden! Over 300 persons visited Catchfly Commons! We met many first time visitors and reconnected with returning friends. The growing interest in native plant gardening is so heartening! We want to thank: The following week we had two times for…
Native Plants at July 2025 DCMGA Sale
Please support the Delaware County Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale on July 19 and 20 and take home some fabulous native plants. The Native Plant Propagation Committee has grown and nurtured over 50 species and will be offering over 2,000 plants at the sale. (Be sure to browse the many annuals, houseplants, and garden items…
June Vistas
Spring plants are taking a backseat to the summer now! Summer bloomers are getting big and bloom buds are showing up in anticipation of July. Following the notes below, there is a section of June photos and then videos. June Notes Growing Degree Days “Growing Degree Days are a measurement of the growth and development…
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