Big Changes are Coming!

  Oh, what a beautiful day!  After so many days of steady rain, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and the caterpillars were changing to their chrysalis stages!  Well, actually the first two were right.  That caterpillar thing actually started yesterday in the pouring rain.  And, yep, I was out to witness the phenomenon.  Mark and I made a quick hike about the hillside during a break in the rains and found the caterpillars "in process" of cocooning.

  The Florence Fennel that fills the herb garden with such graceful fronds is the favorite food of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly.  Each year, the plants can be found with dozens of the hungry caterpillars all munching away on my plants.  Since I adore the butterflies flitting about the garden, I do not have the heart to rid the host plants of their diners.  I figure that they cannot do that much harm to a five foot tall plant so I just let them fill their little tummies.  The rainstorm of yesterday did not seem to deter the critters from their morphing process.  When Mark and I went to check the fennel plants, the caterpillars had vacated the fronds and moved onto the fence boards surrounding the garden.  Several had already made the change and were hanging by thin, threads.  One was still a caterpillar clinging to the board.  With another storm in the works, I felt badly for the tiny critter.  Perhaps he would not be able to withstand the pelting rain and the high winds.  I felt the urge to "help" the critter even against what I know Son would have advised.  "Leave nature alone, Mom.  It has done fine all along without your help."  I have heard these words on more (many more) occasions than one.  He admonishes me for interfering with the lives of wild critters but since he was inside, I could help my caterpillar without his knowing....right?  A window from the hotbed would serve as the perfect shelter for my critter friend!  I felt good about my attempt to protect the little guy.

  Fast forward until today.  The two cocoons were still intact on the fence boards.  My caterpillar?  Well, he was having a bit of a problem. Obviously, my protective services hindered his progress....he was still a caterpillar!  That change had not occurred.  Ok...so I removed the window, apologized and wished him well.  Hopefully, a hungry bird would not dine upon the hapless critter.  Two hours after removing the window pane, I checked again and, lo and behold, a chrysalis hung where the caterpillar was earlier!  He made it!  So, I guess I should listen to Son and leave well enough alone.  Lesson learned...at least until next time that I feel the urge to "help"!  On a happy note..it will not be long before butterflies are gracing the garden!  (And laying more eggs on the fennel.)