With so many spring flowers blooming and perfect weather the butterfly population is out in force. Every native butterfly species can be observed this month around the state.

The Monarch butterflies are out in full force nectaring and egg laying on our milkweeds.

You will enjoy NanaK’s  Monarch blog post and all her butterfly images.

Over at Meem’s Hoe and Shovel blog you will see some beautiful butterfly and larval images.

Zebra Swallowtail on Spreading Purple Lantana. Lantanas in gallon pots are on sale 4 for $10 at Florida Home Depot Garden Centers along with other perennials until May 4th 2011. Zebras have been very active in the last month. They lay their eggs on the numerous Paw Paws in the pastures around the farm in Riverview.

One of the butterfly favorites on the farm is the new Salvia Wendy’s Wish. This plant is nearly 3 years old and growing without irrigation at the base of a tall Native Cabbage Palm next to a driveway with western exposure. Hummingbirds are commonly seen throughout the day as we walk by it entering our growers office at the farm. It is never out of bloom and came through the freezes these last 2 winters with minor damage. In this setting they maintain their size at about 4’ by 4’. More on Wendy’s Wish here.

A red Admiral (above) and a Painted Lady (below) are nectaring on our new large flowered Batfaced Cuphea.