Rewilding My Lot

I try to eat as many meals as possible outdoors. I can choose my location, front or back, depending on the time of day and whether I want sun or shade. On this crisp December morning I was joined on the porch bench by a Green Lacewing (Genus Chrysoperla, exact species unknown).

Here’s a closer view. Lacewings are often underappreciated in the garden because their larvae are predators of the less desirable aphids.

On this particular day (December 6, 2023), the front pollinator garden was still very much active and attracting visitors. The most prominent plants in bloom at this time are yellow Skeleton-Leaf Goldeneye (Viguiera stenoloba), red Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), purple Gregg’s Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii), and pink Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris).

Back in September, the two Scarlet Sages were severely cut back to give them a vigorous fall blooming season. They have done well!