A cecropia moth -- the largest moth in North America!! - was found eating leaves from a friend's native buttonbush shrub a few weeks ago. Caterpillars love to nibble natives, so do butterflies, birds, rabbits, deer and humans. Since native plants are essential to the food cycle we need to plant more of them. Our gardens aren't just a feast for the eyes but they are a feast for living creatures. I'm happy when I see my plants nibbled by caterpillars and although I'm still caging my young shrubs to prevent overbrowsing from deer, I'm committed to planting more shrubs so I can provide berries, like the bright purple ones on American beautyberry, for our overwintering birds . I am shifting the "idea" of my garden to a feast for all the life around me -- and who doesn't need more food at a feast? Fall is the time for planting...please come get more native plants and shrubs this Friday and Saturday (Sept 13/14 9a-4p) at Birds Nest Natives, 47 Birds Nest Way Shepherdstown WV. Thank you for planting natives!
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