National Orange Blossom Day is observed annually on June 27th. This day is set aside to enjoy Orange Blossoms for their aesthetic beauty. Orange blossoms have been used in culinary dishes, desserts, and teas worldwide. They add a slight citrus flavor to any dish!
Fragrant orange blossoms offer multiple health benefits when prepared correctly to make a tea or orange blossom water. Some of the advantages may include improved sleep, reduced anxiety and improved circulation.
Not surprisingly, the orange blossom is Florida’s state flower. Not only do the flowers result in the sweet as sunshine orange fruit, but thanks to the pollinating bees, we also get to enjoy a unique honey with a faintly orange flavor a delightful treat. The blossom’s scent goes into making perfumes and other fragrances for the home.
Each year on the first Saturday in May, National Start Seeing Monarchs Day raises awareness to preserve the Monarch butterfly and prevent it from being added to the endangered species list.
The Monarch butterfly is a milkweed butterfly. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly because its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern. Monarchs typically reach 3 1/2 to 4″ in size. In the fall, they migrate south to warmer climates. In the spring, they return further north.
How can you help prevent the extinction of the Monarch butterfly? You can plant a variety of native milkweeds in your backyard, a haven for all pollinators, like the Monarch butterfly. Without milkweed, the Monarch will cease to exist, so we need people to start planting Monarch Waystations in their backyards. In these safe havens, Monarchs don’t have to worry about herbicides, pesticides, and GMOs affecting their daily meals. You can tell your friends about what you’re doing and get them to join in on the fun; the more Monarch Waystations, the better!
You can stop using those chemicals that harm so many of the small creatures we rely upon to pollinate our fruits and vegetables; think about using organic alternatives that are much more environmentally friendly. Last but not least, you can visit startseeingmonarchs.org and Monarchwatch.org to educate yourself on everything that is Monarch! It’s time to take action! Be a part of the solution for this beautiful winged creature.
Mark your calendar and help us to start seeing monarchs on the first Saturday in May! Use #StartSeeingMararchsDay to share on social media.
On March 14th, National Learn About Butterflies Day encourages us to look for a blur of color as butterflies begin migrating across the country. Each year the celebration brings with it an awareness of the varieties of butterflies and their importance to our survival. Spring and summer are just right around the corner, so it is an excellent time to take a few minutes and learn something new about butterflies and appreciate their beauty.
Like bees, bats and other pollinators, butterflies make the difference between valuable fruits and vegetables on our tables. While we’re planting native flowers and trees, we’re also providing for our future. Pollinators such as the monarch butterfly and the honey bee have been in decline. All the reasons have not been identified. However, increasing the available habitat does help!
Butterflies need our help to survive as they rely on flowers and other natural sources for survival. We can help them by planting more flowers.
There are more than 20,000 types of butterflies worldwide.
Their wingspans can range from 1/2 inch to 11 inches.
Butterflies in their adult stage can live from a week to nearly a year, depending on the species.
Many butterflies migrate over long distances. Particularly famous migrations are those of the Monarch butterfly from Mexico to the northern USA and southern Canada, a distance of about 2500 to 3000 miles.
Read up on butterflies or find a good sunny spot to watch some. Plant a wildflower garden to provide habitat for them. You won’t regret it. You’ll have butterflies to enjoy all summer long! To learn more about pollinator gardens visit Million Garden Challenge. Spend the day learning more about butterflies and creating an environment that is friendly to them.
Provide a water source. When you water your plants, the butterflies will drink from the damp soil and leaves.
In the spring, don’t clean up dead leaves and brush too early. Wait until the temperature is consistently above 50°F. This will allow time for the species that overwinter in a chrysalis to emerge safely and without the threat of frost.
Butterflies symbolize transformation and renewal, embodying the remarkable journey of metamorphosis from caterpillar to winged beauty. Across various cultures, these delicate creatures are often associated with the soul’s evolution, representing spiritual growth and the cycles of life. Their vibrant colors and graceful flight also evoke feelings of joy and lightness, emphasizing the fleeting nature of beauty and the importance of embracing change. In folklore, butterflies are seen as messengers of hope and inspiration, carrying messages from the spiritual realm. The ephemeral beauty of butterflies serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life, encouraging us to appreciate moments of transformation and embrace the beauty within our own metamorphoses.
Use #LearnAboutButterfliesDay to post on social media.
