One day I happened upon what I now know is a “kaleidoscope” of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). In other words, a swarm of those wonderful, brilliant butterflies enjoying a puddle. Yes, butterflies do “puddle,” or gather in large numbers to feed. And for that matter, Monarchs also “roost.”
Every backyard has a unique variety of flowers, trees, and the occasional persistent weed. The importance of our yard vegetation often falls under the radar, especially in grass lawn-dominated suburbia and a society that prizes outdoor aesthetics with little thought to the ecological value a landscape can provide.
Summer is here and along with that comes bountiful blooms. Concord is a kaleidoscope of colorful periwinkle iris, diamond frost euphorbia, and purple bellflowers, all on full display. They arrive at the hands of many gardening clubs and organizations whose members enjoy getting their hands dirty, literally.
Celebrate the art of gardening with the 2025 Concord Museum Garden Tour! The annual tour, organized by the Museum’s Guild of Volunteers, has been a tradition for more than 30 years. This year’s tour includes gardens that have a range of features, from gazebos and greenhouses to sweeping lawns, large trees, and views of meadows and woodlands. New this year, gardens will also feature live music in partnership with Concord Conservatory and plein air painters from Concord Art Association.
