Tag Archives: Gardens

Commentary, nature, Photography

Butterfly Beauty

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Penticton is home to the western tiger swallowtail butterfly. They are primarily yellow with black stripes and also some blue sections near the distinctive “swallowtail,” so-called because of their similarity to the swallow family of birds.

I saw this one while walking through the Penticton rose garden.

Unfortunately, their numbers are declining because of pesticide use and measures are being taken in some areas to support them, including raising them from caterpillars.

Happy Monday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

It’s Lovely Lavender Time

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Lavender grows very well in the Okanagan. The soil and weather conditions are rather great for it, so it’s quite prolific.

Not only does it look and smell wonderful, it’s also thought to be a calming and centring element of aromatherapy. I have a small bottle of lavender oil next to my bed; I don’t think it puts me to sleep but it certainly has a fantastic scent!

Lavender does well as a dried plant and you can also cook with it (depending on the type and it also has to be carefully sifted). Given its varied and many uses, it is an extremely versatile plant and it shines at this time of year!

Happy Sunday.