Weekend Gardening: Plant Your Own Butterfly Garden
April 13, 2013
Butterflies are not only beautiful to look at in your landscape; they serve as important pollinators of your fruiting plants. Attracting them to your garden and incorporating some features to get them to stay and reproduce involves a little planning ahead of time for optimum results.
Choose a location that provides some protection from wind. Trees and shrubs that provide wind protection also serve as a safe harbor from rain and predators. The garden should be mostly sunny with some part sun areas. Ensure that any new plantings have access to a convenient irrigation source so they can be successfully established and maintained in good health.
Now you’ll need to choose the plants. Adults feed on the nectar of many flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals and, fortunately, there are usually many choices that will meet your site requirements and your taste preferences. In order to keep the butterflies in your garden, certain plants need to be available to serve as host plants for their young. Determine which species of butterfly is common in your area and that you want to attract. Most species have very few plants on which the caterpillars can feed so those host plants need to be chosen wisely. Determine whether any of the plants you already have are host plants and they can be integrated into your butterfly garden. For example, cassia is a host plant for the Cloudless Sulphur and citrus is a host plant for the Giant Swallowtail.
In choosing your nectar plants, select those that are native or Florida-Friendly as they are lower maintenance, giving you less trouble in the long run. Choose plants that have flowers in a variety of color, size, and shape. Different butterflies like to feed at different elevations, so choose trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals of varying heights. In order to have nectar available throughout the time when the butterflies occur, include plants that bloom at different times of the year. And include some plants that bloom all the time, like pentas or moss verbena.
Larger plants should be placed in the background with smaller plants layered in the foreground. When you plant smaller annuals and perennials, place them in masses to better attract the butterflies. Consider placing host plants in an area that is in close proximity to the nectar plants, but in an area of your garden that is not a focal point. Host plants can get quite ragged looking from hungry caterpillars!
Good maintenance practices will enhance the health of your garden. Regular fertilization and irrigation if needed will help keep your plants in bloom and healthy – healthy plants are less susceptible to disease and pests. Avoid pesticides as they may harm the very creatures you are trying to attract. Never use a Bt or systemic pesticide. If you must, target a pest with lower risk oils or soaps and then only treat the affected plants. Lastly, be aware of beneficial insects that will help you achieve satisfactory control of a pest.
Now that your plants are placed there are several things to do to make your butterfly garden complete. Add a spot where water can puddle on the ground for the adult butterflies to drink. They require minerals from the soil that get dissolved in the water. Also add a rock or log in a sunny spot where butterflies can rest and sun themselves. And consider placing a comfortable place for you to sit and enjoy the beauty of your garden and its inhabitants.
Mary Derrick is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension
Pictured top: A buckeye butterfly. Photo courtesy David Davidson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tim Tebow Named ‘Great Floridian’
April 13, 2013
His professional football career remains up in the air, but Tim Tebow was named a “Great Floridian” Friday by Gov. Rick Scott. The former Florida Gator quarterback is one of only 66 people since 1981 to get the award.
The “Great Floridian” designation is given in recognition of the outstanding achievements of men and women who have made significant contributions to the progress and welfare of Florida.
“It is an honor to present one of our first of 2013 ‘Great Floridian’ awards to football legend and Florida native Tim Tebow. Tim is a great role model for young athletes, and throughout his career, he has proven to be a true competitor and humanitarian. Tim is not just an athlete, he is a true example of someone who lives to serve others. It is my distinct honor to recognize football legend, proud University of Florida Gator and humanitarian Tim Tebow with the ‘Great Floridian’ Award,” Scott said.
Tim Tebow said, “I am so honored to be selected by Governor Scott for the Great Floridian award. It has always been wonderful to call Florida home.”
Two “great Floridians” are chosen each year by the secretary of state from a list of nominees. Scott presented Tebow with the award at an event at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. Tebow was a backup quarterback this past year for the New York Jets, and they’re looking for a taker on a trade deal.
Pictured: Gov. Rick Scoot named Tim Tebow a ‘Great Floridian” Friday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rudd Accepts Air Force Academy Appointment
April 12, 2013
Robert Rudd, a senior at Pine Forest High School and Cadet Commander of the school’s NJROTC battalion, has officially accepted his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy for the incoming class of 2017.
Rudd was joined by his family, NJROTC instructors and cadets, PFHS administration and staff. Rudd is also the Cadet Commander of the Collin B. Haines Civil Air Patrol squadron out of NAS Whiting Field and several members also attended the ceremony
He will report to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 25th to begin his training. Following graduation from the Academy, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant.
Senator Marco Rubio nominated Rudd for this highly competitive appointment. Of the 12,000 plus applications received, approximately 1,200 offers of appointment were extended. The value of an Air Force Academy education is calculated to be approximately equal to a $414,000 scholarship.
Rudd also had offers from Auburn University, University of Kentucky, University of South Florida, Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC.
Okahashi, Cousin To Wed
April 12, 2013
Al and Jessica and Stephen Porter of Pensacola announce the engagement of their daughter, Kiani Okahashi, to Cody Cousin, son of Jennifer and Keith Winters of Atmore.
Kiani is a 2012 graduate of Northview High School and currently teaches with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks.
Cody is a 2010 graduate of Northview High School. He joined the Army after graduation and was recently discharged.
The wedding will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at the Museum of Commerce at 115 East Zarragossa Street in downtown Pensacola.
Ernest Ward Names March Students Of The Month
April 11, 2013
Ernest Ward Middle School has named their Students of the Month for March. They are (left to right) Desmone Knight, 8th grade; Sierra Slay, 6th grade; Hannah Godwin, 7th grade. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lawmakers Look To Get Rid Of “R” Word
April 10, 2013
It’s known as the “R” word.
Florida lawmakers are moving toward erasing the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from myriad state laws, as the word “retarded” has become widely viewed as offensive to people with disabilities.
“Mental retardation” would be replaced by “intellectual disability,” and “mentally retarded” would be replaced by “intellectually disabled.” As an indication of how references to retardation thread through state laws, the House is considering a 71-page bill to replace the terms — which pop up in everything from criminal laws to health laws.
“”It makes me upset, mad, when people use the R word. The word makes us (people with developmental disabilities) mad, and angry, and sad. People need to stop saying this word. I speak for others like me,” Barbara Collier (pictured), a client of ARC Gateway in Pensacola since 1996 said. She is a resident of one of six ARC group homes, a valuable member of the ARC horticulture program, a bocce player and bowler in the Special Olympics.
Deborah Linton, executive director of The ARC of Florida, said she has worked for three years to convince lawmakers to eliminate the “R” word and its variations. In the past, Linton’s group was known as the Association for Retarded Citizens.
“It was a medical term, and it became an insult,” Linton said Tuesday after the House Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously to approve the bill (HB 1119). At the other end of the Capitol, the Senate Rules Committee also voted unanimously for the Senate version (SB 142).
House sponsor Janet Adkins, R-Fernandina Beach, said 39 states have made similar changes to their laws. A person with an intellectual disability typically has an IQ of 70 to 75 or below, has limits on the ability to carry on everyday life activities and had the disability before age 18, according to The ARC website.
But while advocacy groups have made a priority of changing the terms, two speakers with intellectual disabilities told the House committee Tuesday that they are still hurt by getting called retarded.
“A lot of people have special needs and different personalities,” said Tyler Creamer, 20, of Panama City “I don’t like when people judge us or put us down. I am important.”
Members of the committee praised the measure.
“Sometimes the most simple of bills can be the most monumental,” said Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach.
By The News service of Florida
Grand Champions Named In Annual Livestock Show (With Photo Gallery)
April 7, 2013
The 20th annual Gulf Coast Agricultural & Natural Resources Association Livestock Spring Show was held Saturday at the Langley Bell 4-H Center on West Nine Mile Road.
The show provided an opportunity for local 4-H and FFA members to show their steers, swine, goats, lambs, heifers, rabbits and poultry. In addition, many of the steers and swine in the program were auctioned off.
Coming Monday: Saturday’s 20th anniversary livestock show will be the last at the Langley Bell 4-H Center after the property was sold to Navy Federal Credit Union. We’ll update you on the search for a new 4-H facility.
This year’s Grand Champion Steer was exhibited by Donald Cunningham. Donald, age 15, is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. In addition to showing steers, he enjoys swimming, NJROTC, basketball, football, working and being a Boy Scout. He is the son of Lewe and Beth Cunningham. He attends Pace High School. His Grand Champion Steer sold at auction to Dr. Tom Lampone for $3.50 per pound.
The Reserve Grand Champion was exhibited by Ashley Cunningham, a 17-year old Northview High School Student and member of the Northview FFA. Ashley is the daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She is a Northview High cheerleader and a member of the Northview Dance Teams. Her hobbies include bowling, playing tennis, showing cattle, and volunteering at the Century Care Center.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Other winners Saturday included:
Beef Breeding Registered:
- Grand Champion: Willow Foxworth
- Reserve Grand Champion: Tyler Simmons
Beef Breeding Commercial:
- Grand Champion: Austin Cunningham
Beef Breeding Registered and Commercial
- Supreme Grand Champion: Willow Foxworth
- Reserve Supreme Grand Champion: Tyler Simmons
Swine:
- Grand Champion: Patra Miller
- Reserve Grand Champion: Whitney Patterson
Patra Miller’s Grand Champion Swine sold to Mike Johnson for $5 per pound.
Meat Breeding Goats:
- Grand Champion: Izzy Kent
Dairy Goats
- Grand Champion: Virginia Montgomery
- Reserve: Madison Fendley
Lamb:
- Grand Champion: Jessica Baldwin
Rabbits:
- Best in Show: Donnie Dixon
- Reserve Best in Show: Ethan Thorne
Poultry:
- Best in Show: Joshua McLamb
- Reserve Best in Show: Ami Rodgers
The 20th annual Gulf Coast Agricultural & Natural Resources Association Livestock Spring Show was sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Complete results were not available Saturday night. NorthEscambia.com anticipates receiving complete results for publication later this week.
Pictured top: Donald Cunningham. Pictured top inset: Ashley Cunningham. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sun Dogs Signal Sunny Skies
April 7, 2013
Pictured: Colorful “sun dogs” appear over Walnut Hill Saturday morning. Reader submitted photo by Sandi Boone for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lloyd And Annie Savage Renew Wedding Vows
April 7, 2013
Lloyd and Annie Savage of Century recently renewed their wedding vows. The ceremony was held at the First Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, with a reception following at the Century Community Center.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview Spring Concert
April 6, 2013
From Johnny Cash to Disney to Katy Perry, the Northview Music Department Spring Concert featured a variety of music Friday night at the school. Performances included members of the Concert Band, Guitar Ensemble and Glee from Northview.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Northview High School Music Department Spring Concert Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
