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🌼The Dandelion: The Flower That Blooms Twice?

Have you ever seen a bright yellow dandelion growing in a garden patch and days later noticed that same spot where the flower was turned into a fluffy white ball? If so, you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most fascinating transformations. The dandelion is often called “the flower that blooms twice” because it appears to flower once as a cheerful yellow blossom and then again as a white puffball of seeds. But is the dandelion really blooming twice? Let’s take a closer look! What Is a Dandelion? The dandelion is a common wildflower found across much of the world. Its scientific name is Taraxacum officinale . Although many people consider it a weed, the dandelion is actually an important plant that provides food for pollinators, improves soil health, and supports wildlife. Children often recognize dandelions because of their bright yellow flowers and the fun of blowing their fluffy seeds into the wind. The First Bloom: A Golden Flower In spring and summer, a dandelion plant produces...
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Nature Study: Attract Butterflies To Your Garden!

Spring is in the air so what better time so talk about - butterflies!? 

Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory


We took a trip to a Butterfly Conservatory where we learned about the different stages of a butterfly’s life.

We saw all the stages: the eggs, the caterpillars and the  butterflies slowly emerging from their chrysalis and figuring out their wings. 

We also learned that butterflies not only like nectar from flowers but they also really like fruit. More on this later...first let’s answer a question that may be on your mind. 

Apart from being pretty to look at and peaceful creatures...

Why Are Butterflies Important?

Butterflies are natural pollinators and help with the reproduction of crops and plants. A decline in the butterfly (or bee population) can result in a decline or loss of some native plant species or poor performance of crops that rely solely on butterflies for pollination.

How To Attract Butterflies To Your Garden 

Pick a sunny spot. Apparently, butterflies are cold blooded creatures so they enjoy soaking up the warmth of the sun.


Plant flowers that attract butterflies. Plant several varieties to attract different types of butterflies or plant milk weed to attract the endangered species like the Monarch Butterfly. 

Place shallow plates of water and sand or water, sand and soil around so they have a water source. 


Peg a sweet treat to share with them. On our trip we discovered that butterflies really like oranges. Place some wedges on a plate or butterfly feeder for them to enjoy. 

DIY butterfly feeder waiting for
the butterflies

Provide a perch for them (backyard pavers work too). Aside from large leaves and flowers, butterflies like to perch on large smooth stones. Who knows...they may even feel comfortable enough in your own backyard to perch on you!

What are some other fun or interesting facts you’ve observed about butterflies? Share them in the comments below.

Tip: Download the SEEK APP from iNaturalist & National Geographic to identify the different types of butterflies in your garden or park. 

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