I've been reading a giant encyclopedia of plants and shrubs, and more and more we are being told to plant native things in our gardens. The reason is because they are perfectly adapted to a particular location and require no human intervention - ie chemicals or special fertilizers. They have developed resistance to diseases, blights, and have stood the test of time.

The other important reason, is because they support bio-diversity. Native plants are crucial to the survival of birds, butterflies, bumble-bees, and other wildlife - they depend largely on native plants. Another reason is because they are becoming extinct. Everyone wants the ornamentals from Japan and China, and you see them everywhere. Anyway, I read about a shrub called a "Spicebush" or "Lindera Benzoin."  This is really interesting!
Here is what it looks like:

But here is the super exciting thing! It offers the favourite food of the Swallowtail Butterfly. Here is what the caterpillars look like:

Is this not the most adorable creature you've ever seen? Here's another look...

Isn't nature marvelous? This cute little guy becomes...a Swallowtail Butterfly!

 

I am really excited about planting native things on my property, and I want my cottage on Mayne Island to become a haven for wildlife. Look around at most yards - how many butterflies do you see? We should all have native plants, ponds, bird feeders, bat-boxes, owl nests, fruit trees, and vegetables gardens...or how about one little Spicebush? I think we could all manage at least that...