And here we are.  After 6 weeks of heat and humidity, the more reasonable temperatures that accompany September will soon arrive.

We are still collecting the last Monarch eggs of the season, and butterfly releases are happening daily. 

Benches are still full and we are still planting and bringing out new plants.

Our October plant of the month is the aawesome Virginia mountain mint, scientifically known as *Pycnanthemum virginianum* 

It is a perennial herb that typically reaches heights of 1 to 3 feet and blooms from mid-summer to early fall.

Mountain mint produces clusters of small, fragrant white to pale purple flowers. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

Virginia mountain mint is highly beneficial for pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, as its blossoms provide a rich source of nectar.   The aromatic foliage also deters some herbivores, making it a resilient addition to gardens and natural landscapes.

Clustered Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)

-Height:  Typically grows between 2 to 3 feet tall.

-Sun Preferences:  Prefers full sun to partial shade.

- Soil Preferences:   Thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy or loamy soils.

- Pollinators:  Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

- Host to Butterflies:  Serves as a host plant for various butterfly species, providing a valuable habitat for their caterpillars to thrive. 

Clustered Mountain Mint, with its aromatic foliage and attractive flowers, is a versatile and beneficial plant for both gardeners and local wildlife.

Bring on the heat!  Well in our case this year, it's continue the heat.  

August is a big month for butterflies.  Monarchs are busy egg laying and trying to survive.  

Our Butterfly House is active with 40 chrysalids ready to emerge in a few days.

Eryngium yuccifolium, commonly known as rattlesnake master, is our August Plant of the Month.   A striking and unique native perennial, Rattlesnake Masrer features spiky, yucca-like basal leaves and intriguing spherical flower heads that resemble those of a thistle. Rattlesnake master is often found in prairies and open woodlands, and it is known for its tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions. This plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm).

The plant's common name name is derived from its historical use in traditional medicine as a remedy for snakebites.

It's that time of year!  The butterflies have returned and are laying eggs.

To jumpstart our season, we are taking delivery of 10-20 eggs and Monarch caterpillars from Pennsylvania.  They are arriving today so we will be busy cutting milkweed leaves and setting up the habitats to house our new charges.

And don't forget, this week is National Pollinator Week, so come out and add some more pollinator and host plants to your gardens now.  Any purchase gets you a free milkweed starter plant.

Blephilia ciliata is also known and Downy Woodmint or Pagoda Flower and is a well mannered member of the mint family.

Downy Woodmint can be found growing in dappled shade or woodland areas, often  near streams.

Reaching a height of about 12 inches, Downy Woodmint will bloom from June through August and is attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

It is said that Native Americans used to make the leaves into a poultice to treat headaches.

Available in limited quantities.

Photo credit: Prairie Moon Nursery

Chrysogonum virginianum, commonly known as Green and Gold, is a charming perennial plant that is native to the eastern United States. It is prized for its attractive, heart-shaped leaves and cheerful yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in spring to early summer. 

Green and Gold is often used in flower beds and garden borders as a ground cover or as an accent plant due to its low-growing nature and spreading habit. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates.

This plant is a valuable addition to garden landscapes as it provides pollen and nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. 

Native Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a charming perennial wildflower that typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet.

This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it versatile in various garden settings.

With delicate red and yellow bell-shaped flowers that bloom from mid spring to early summer, Native Columbine attracts a variety of pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, providing essential nectar for them during the spring season.

Its distinctive foliage and unique flower shape make it a beautiful addition to any garden while also supporting local pollinator populations.

Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) is our first Perennial Plant of the Month for 2024

Phlox divaricata, commonly known as woodland phlox, is a charming perennial plant native to North America. With its fragrant, star-shaped flowers in shades of lavender, blue, or white, this low-growing beauty thrives in woodland settings, adding a touch of elegance to shaded gardens. Its spreading habit and lush green foliage make it an excellent ground cover, attracting butterflies and pollinators. Easy to cultivate and adaptable, Phlox divaricata is a delightful addition to gardens seeking a burst of color in shady corners.

VIP memberships are now available for 2024 and would make a great Christmas gift for your gardening friends.

VIP Membership includes a free Plant of the Month for the months of March through November.

New members also receive a free  T-Shirt  and 20% off any items  in our Garden Shack. In addition, VIP members are allowed access to our pollinator conservation trail and field where they can hike or picnic. 

Membership runs from March 2024 to December 2024. You must pick up your plants during the current growing season. We cannot hold plants over from one season to the next, nor can all plants be picked up before their respective months occur.

PURCHASE 2024 VIP MEMBERSHIP HERE

Plants of the Month for 2024:

March: Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

April: Native Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

May:  Green & Gold (Chrysogonum)

June: Woodmint (Blephilia ciliata)

July: Pink Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea)

August: Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

September: Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnathemum virginianum)

October: New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)

November: Heartleafed Aster (A. cordolius)

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 Copyright 2024 Grasshopper Garden Escapes,Inc

🌼 Embrace the Magic of Monarchs! 

Get ready for a mesmerizing experience with nature's delicate wonders? We're thrilled to announce that once again, our garden center is hosting an enchanting butterfly raising extravaganza! You will get to witness the captivating beauty of Monarch butterflies as they grace Grasshopper Perennials once again.

🦋 Raise Monarchs with Us! 🦋

Join us in our mission to protect these magnificent creatures by participating in our Monarch butterfly raising program. Discover the joy of nurturing Monarch caterpillars as they transform into breathtaking butterflies right before your eyes. Witness the incredible life cycle unfold from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally, the emergence of a fully-fledged Monarch butterfly.

If you wish to bring the magic of butterflies to your own backyard? Our garden center  now offers Butterfly Habitat Kits.  Each kit comes with  all the essentials you need to raise healthy butterflies including a carrier, a habitat, and instructions.  All you need to add is milkweed, (which we carry), and eggs or caterpillars which you can hunt for yourself or get from us if we have some to share.

🌸 Join the Butterfly Movement! 🌸

Promote biodiversity, educate your loved ones, and contribute to conservation efforts by joining our butterfly movement. Attracting butterflies to your garden helps support a diverse ecosystem, benefiting other pollinators and wildlife. Engage your family and friends with the mesmerizing transformation of caterpillars into butterflies, fostering a deeper connection to nature. Together, we can make a difference!

🌺 Visit Us Today and Let the Magic Begin! 🌺

We've just introduced our much anticipated Monarch Butterfly Shirts.

June being pollinator month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which in turn provide food and habitat for other animals. However, pollinators are facing numerous threats such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. By dedicating a month to celebrating and protecting pollinators, we can educate people about their importance and encourage actions to support their conservation.

Join the VIP and be ready for some extra perks with us.  You will receive a free Plant of the month for each month starting in March and continuing through November.

You will also receive the  Grasshopper VIP T-shirt to let everyone know that you belong to our elite group!

Additionally, any VIP has anytime access to Annie (me) for all plant and horticultural related questions.

Check out the VIP page to see what plants will be waiting for you and to sign up.  Cost is only $45.00 per year.