When a monarch caterpillar assumes the J (or backwards J) position, it's preparing to form a chrysalis. Up until this year, I'd never seen monarch caterpillars on my butterfly milkweed — only my common milkweed — although I know butterfly milkweed is also a host plant. So imagine my surprise when I found 11 at once on a group of butterfly milkweed plants! Can you find 4 in the first picture? Of the original 11, I know the whereabouts of 5. Two are on the plant, still munching

This is a Carolina mantis, Stagmomantis carolina (do you see him? He's looking at you!) — one of our own native, (very!) beneficial insects. This one is a nymph, or baby. It preys on aphids, leafhoppers, small caterpillars, flies, and moths. Because it evolved alongside our native prey and predators, it fits into the food web without disrupting it — it's a natural part of a balanced garden ecosystem. These are wonderful to have around, since they help keep pest populations in

We've received a flood warning — what better time to think about drought-tolerant gardens? This is one that has stood the test of time and severe weather. Something to keep in mind: "tolerant" is the key word in this design descriptor. These plants tolerate heat and dryness, but they don't necessarily always look happy about it. You may see some wilting during the hottest spells, but the key is that these plants not only make it through — they thrive again once they get some

I just love how this combo turned out - so do the pollinators! Can you hear them? This trio - Purple Coneflower, Dense Blazing Star and Plains Coreopsis are part of a drought-tolerant border. They were not watered during the 3 day span of 100+ degree temps! They looked a little wilted, but are thriving now!