Every time we visit the garden, there are different creatures hiding out among the stems and leaves.
Nature Study in the Garden
Gardening is an excellent means of nature study, and the lessons we’re learning are invaluable. A science lesson awaits right in our backyard each day.
Our parsley is being munched away by this very hungry caterpillar which we think is a Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes.)
This looks like it’s a Clouded/Common Sulpher Butterfly (Colias philodice.)
I’ve learned to bring my camera along whenever we water, and when we spot a bug or other critter, we try to snap a photo or two. Then, the kids can use them for reference when we come inside and look in the field guides for more information. The photos also make it easier to include tiny details in our nature journals. Sometimes, the boys bring their pencils and notebooks outside, and they squat down beside the garden and draw right there. Nature study and gardening–it’s a beautiful thing!
You caught some great photos! I love the beauty of caterpillars and butterflies.
Wonderful to see the beneficial insects thriving too!