We were over the moon when we saw two teeny caterpillars chomping down on our plants in Our Charming Backyard Butterfly Garden!

But then, bam! The weather turned chilly, and storm after storm rolled in. When I went to check on our little cuties, one had vanished from the rue, and the other looked like it was taking a nap while the dill cleverly closed in around it like a protective shield.

It’s been days, and they’re still MIA, which tugs at my heartstrings. When I was editing the photos of the caterpillar I felt a similar love towards it like the love I feel for my dogs. I felt an impulse to give it a name because, let’s face it, it’s really precious! I actually called it “Our Early Popper” which is a name given to the first kernel of popcorn that pops when you pop popcorn.

Last year, when our caterpillars disappeared to find a place to form a chrysalis, I felt the same twinge of sadness. But hey, I’ve learned to be open minded!

I like to imagine they are secured in a cozy alliance with the ants, getting pampered and protected until the sun comes back out. I mean, nature’s all about teamwork and cooperation, right?

And with my own free will, if I refuse to believe in evil spirits, then what else could it be? Food for thought, huh?

So, I’m sticking to my story—those ants are on rescue duty, and my peace of mind rests in the belief that my garden cuties are in good hands.

Time to keep the supply of tasty treats coming for these little beauties!

We’re growing the flora and below are few snapshots of our newly added host and nectar plants.

Today is a big day for us because guess what? We see baby sprouts popping up from the roots of our very first Passion Vine, planted just last year! Honestly, with zero gardening know-how, I had no idea if the plant was dead or dormant. Well, mystery solved! Check out the proof!

Update on our Unidentified Guest

It’s not a bat or a red fox—it’s a Ringtail Cat, also known as the Nighttime Ninja! These elusive critters are super rare and hardly ever seen or heard. Luckily, my nephew Ryan, a wildlife conservationist, is like our own personal encyclopedia of animal knowledge. I’m beyond grateful to have someone so passionate about nature in my family, especially since he knows way more about wildlife than I do.

Ryan’s been our go-to guy for identifying the critters that wander along our path or into Our Charming Backyard Butterfly Garden. With his passion for wildlife, he’s bound to be our trusty sidekick for many more future adventures.

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