

Welcome Autumn Equinox
Fall rolls in at 9:54 p.m. EDT tonight. I am ready for cooler temperatures and gentler weather. I know that people Southeast of us are ready to say goodbye to Florence and hello to recovery. The seasonal wheel turns again. I'm in a bit of a mystical mood. I made it a point to see an open hibiscus blossom in the pond and a white moon flower on the rose arbor. The hibiscus blossom will be closed before nightfall. The window to have both blossoms open at the same time is


Florence Comes to Northgate Park
As everyone knows the Southeastern part of North Carolina has suffered devastating flooding. Donations, physical help and prayers are needed. Here in the northern part of the Piedmont we have been relatively unscathed. This morning we woke to flash flood and tornado warnings. Late night Sept. 16 our neighborhood had steady to heavy rain. As of 10:00 a.m. Sept. 17th we had a total of five inches. It's still raining as of 10:52 a.m. The Florence rain bands brought us abou


Butterfly and Moth Compendium
This post catalogs butterflies and moths found in our yard in Durham, NC. Providing nectar and host plants plus avoiding insecticides and herbicides such as pre-emergents produce the best conditions for your flying beauties. I've included Common Host plants in our yard or area for each. I'll be adding photos as I record more species or better photos. Spicebush Swallowtail Common Host plants: Spicebush and Sassafras We must have these nearby as we see quite a few Spicebus