Butterflies, Dragonflies and Fireflies

Years ago I had a garden, in fact two. One with an assortment of vegetables and one with flowering shrubs and annuals. For several years I have set out tomato plants and have already eaten two wonderful ripe ones and more starting to ripen. The azaleas and hydrangeas, and two lilac trees have given me beauty in my yard but this spring I realized I missed the petunias, phlox, and especially marigolds, They used to outline my vegetable garden and marigolds seemed to keep the bad bugs out,

I set out wave petunias who really seem to spread and look like a wonderful sea along my fence and in between bright marigolds in florescent gold and exuberant deep dark orange brightens even a cloudy, rainy day. I love them but what has surprised and delighted me are the butterflies, dragon flies and fireflies which have been missing, for a long time.

Each day when I am out doors on the deck or weeding I am surrounded by butterflies and dragonflies, they come near and delicately land on the marigolds. The butterflies are varied, some a soft white with bit of rose in their wings, others are very small but the visitor I love best is a large brilliant yellow butterfly with the upper wings edged in what looks like black lace and the lower wings each have a small brilliant blue design...How delicate they arrive at the marigolds, gently, barely moving their wings to stay aloft and then coming close enough to feed. The smaller butterflies seem to dart away but the yellow ones seem to give a soft sigh and float aloft to move on...I almost hold my breath at their beauty and ability....and they are new to me, I have butterflies in other years but these are new. I know one day I will take the time to make an effort to find out what kind they are but for now I am just going to enjoy and promise myself I will plant more marigolds next year.

The dragon flies who used to be numerous on a late summer afternoon, darting about between all the plants and sometimes there seemed so many it was like a small waving cloud ,,,,watching them gave me a peculiar sense of joy and I have missed them . In early evening I see the flashing blinking fireflies.. Once as a child we gathered them in a jar and kept them overnight in our rooms. Their light seemed to comfort that child but now I just want to see them enjoying themselves,, glad they are here.

I have sent for some seed catalogues because I want to know what plants I need for next year. I will enjoy the digging and the planting because I know now that I will have flowers to brighten my yard but realize they will give me double delights when the butterflies, dragon flies and fireflies return.....There are few things we can do that will give us so much reward,,,,,I hope if you haven't seen these wonderful beauties of nature, next year you can share how many you see...my eyes rejoice, my soul breathes joyfully.....and I thank GOD for these special summer gifts.