Hello and Happy Spring!
We are quickly approaching Florida summer, but the plants are grateful for the extended spring we had in Jacksonville this spring. At the end of winter the mustard was harvested and seed was collected for next winter. The plants in the pollinator and vegetable garden are kicking into high gear as the rains return and temperature heats up.
The poppies are starting to pop!
The fennel is beginning the process of creating seeds, and soon, Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars will devour it. We can enjoy the flowers first, though.
The milkweed has come back and is flowering beautifully. It is dutifully waiting for the monarch mamas to arrive and lay their eggs.
The African Blue Basil has woken up and called on native bees to wake up from their winter hibernation. Remember, most of the bees in the garden are not the stinging kind! There is no need to swat at them or be scared; just watch them work.[/caption]
This summer the zinnias and tomatoes will continue to grow and the garden looks forward to greeting you in August at the end of summer.[/caption]
Scientifically Yours,
Mrs. Cornais
Environmental and Earth Space Science Instructor
Episcopal School of Jacksonville-Munnerlyn Campus
