If you plant it...
Several years ago, I attended a butterfly talk. I don't remember who the speaker was, I think it was at a Wallingford Garden Club meeting. My biggest takeaway from that talk was the importance of planting for butterflies, specifically Joe-pye weed for the uncommon (at least in Connecticut) Leonard's skipper. I don't know why this skipper fascinated me or why I decided to plant Joe-pye weed. I didn't even know what a Leonard's skipper looked like.
For years, I watched various butterflies, bees, and other insects visit my gardens, including the Joe-pye weed. When I joined iNaturalist a few years ago, it gave me a better way to keep an eye out for this elusive skipper.
In 2017, I decided to plant a butterfly and pollinator garden. It's a work in progress. I moved the Joe-pye weed into this garden, along with lots of other butterfly-friendly plants. Around a month ago, I added a couple of little bluestem grasses to the garden.
And then, it happened. At least, I think. I would love another confirmation or two to be sure, but I think a Leonard's skipper finally came to my gardens.
If you plant it, they will come. ... Eventually. ... Maybe.
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City of Meriden planting pollinator pathway starting in Brookside park
I have heard about a possible pollinator pathway but didn't know there were definite plans. That is great news.
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