In August, black swallowtail butterflies are common in local gardens, where the females may deposit eggs on parsley and dill. Caterpillars, once hatched, feed on these plants and later make twig-like chrysalises in which to over-winter. (Click for larger version)
Outwitting the cold. Butterfly species have three strategies for surviving northeastern winters. Some, such as the black swallowtail, survive in a chrysalis phase, in suspended animation between being a caterpillar and becoming a butterfly.
The beautiful mourning cloak repairs to sheltered crevices, where it hibernates as an adult butterfly until spring temperatures draw it back into woodlands and yards.
Quick, what variety of green bean is that in your garden? Which tomato did you try that got so diseased that it stopped producing already? And remember that perennial you planted a couple of years ago that is doing so well? Your friend would like to buy some from the same place, but exactly what variety is it, and where did you buy it? These are all questions that could easily be answered if you had thought to keep some kind of record of your gardening efforts.
