Pollinators and Native Plants

Monarcas en los Arboles
This acrylic painting was inspired by the journey taken by Monarch butterflies in the fall. When they arrive in Mexico, they perch on the trunks of all kinds of trees, including pine trees. This is how I imagine those trees must look covered in orange and yellow wings, with butterflies resting and soaking in the warm sun after a long flight south. This painting is on a long canvas measuring 36”x12”. It is a reminder that hard work and resilience pays off. I am so happy to share my message with you about the Monarchs and how they have survived despite the destruction of a large part of their habitat. Thankfully more and more people are making the conscious choice to plant pollinator plants in their garden and most importantly Milkweed, the host plant to the Monarch butterfly.
Hummingbird Paradise
This is a watercolor painting of a field of red Bee Balm flowers, a bright native flower growing all over the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond. I visited Grayson Highlands State Park in the summer and witnessed a “Hummingbird Paradise.” There was a big patch of Bee Balm and the hummingbirds and other pollinators were happily buzzing and feeding on the sweet flower. Habitats such as these are so important to the overall mountain ecosystem. Not only do these plants grow in the wild, but they also can adorn your own gardens. Planting Bee Balm will attract a myriad of pollinators to your back yard. Bee Balm can also be used in the home to help heal ailments such as nausea, menstrual cramps, and sore throats.