I haven't seen many swallowtails this year, so it was a delight to see this colourful, fresh-looking Black Swallowtail in our Butterfly Meadow today. (SG)

There are various species of plume moths, all of them white in colour, so not sure which one this is. But always fascinating to see these very un-moth-like creatures.

Probably a green frog tadpole, photographed by Diane in the pond.

Another aquatic lifeform which Diane found in the pond - a healthy sign after the work of last year.

Diane found a number of aphids on flowering rush. Wonder if they might have some impact on the plant? Perhaps help to control what is a very invasive species.

An excellent shot of this common but not always easy to photograph,fly, by Diane.

This female Monarch started as an egg found on milkweed near Calabogie, Ontario. A month later, it emerged from its chrysalis and was released in the FWG's Butterfly Meadow, where we had just seen a male. We're hoping they start the cycle again and produce the generation that will fly to Mexico in September. (SG)

There seem to be more sightings of monarchs this year than last, and more larvae are being found, so that is a hopeful sign. Not like the old days when they were so common they were almost not commented on!

There is usually at least one primrose moth on the evening primrose plants at the garden. In some years, you can find two or even three on one plant. They are quite spectacular moths and look far too exotic for this part of the world. The larvae feed on the seeds of the plant.

A very strikingly patterned member of the Tortricid family of moths, this and many other Tortricids, can frequently be found perched on vegetation during the daytime. They are also very frequent and common visitors to lights at night.

This area is the gully that runs from Prince of Wales Drive to the pond, through the New Woods area. It was never planted with trees in the early days and has since been left an open area. It has seen various plants come and go including milkweeds. But eventually dog-strangling vine (DSV) aka pale swallowwort took over in abundance as is its habit. This area was an experimental site, sprayed with glyphosate a few years ago, but this achieved nothing and the DSV grew back thicker than ever. Now, a volunteer has taken on this particular site with the goal of removing the DSV and trying to prevent its comeback. As you can perhaps see in this photo, there are huge swathes of catnip instead of DSV, and other plants are growing too.

With Black-eyed Susans in the background (under the oak tree) and catnip in front, Catherine and Michelle (who takes care of a node along the Bill Holland Trail) are fastening down a tarpaulin over a thick mass of DSV and Comfrey. Both of these plants are highly invasive and prevent other plants and the native species that we prefer from growing. Digging them out is difficult as both have very robust roots; in cases like this where only invasives are growing, it's easiest to shade them out. (SG)

Today, we finished planting sedges (Carex sp.) and skullcap (Scutellaria sp.) in the mud at the bottom of the gully where water often pools. (SG)

The side of the building with its display of the large cup-plants.

Looking east across the pond which has lost its bare brown perimeter and now has a lovely growth of vegetation again after last autumn's rehab work.

Rabbits have been having a few good years, at the peak of their cycle, lots of food, and so we have been seeing more than usual around the garden.

Not quite opened fully yet, this is a lovely native plant found alongside wetlands, ponds, lakes. Many species of insects find it an attractive source of nectar.

A truly spectacular flower, native to the northeastern US, this gorgeous plant can tolerate part shade though it likes sun best I believe. It prefers moist to damp situations. It is so exotic looking that it is hard to believe this is a plant native to eastern North America, though not alas to this part of Canada. Nonetheless, it thrives in the Butterfly Meadow.

Another native plant, this one found around the Ottawa district. It is, as you can see, attractive to bees as well as many other insects.

The southern edge of the old woods with that wonderful mass of native wild clematis.

Although not native, Ox-eye Daisies attract a number of insects, including this little bee. Hoping to learn to identify some of the smaller bees this year. (SG)

One of our favourites, this beauty (Schinia florida) was napping on an Evening Primrose plant in our Butterfly Meadow today. (SG)

Also observed and photographed by Michelle, this is the first Blandings we've seen at the FWG for more than 10 years. I hope it likes our less-congested Amphibian Pond. (SG)