OUR BACKYARD and BUTTERFLIES

We are privileged to have Griffith Park in our backyard.  It is a beautiful place to see some special flowers, such as the chocolate lily.  Last week the lilies were in full bloom on the nearby hillside, a five minute walk from our house.

Several patches of chocolate lilies made their appearance

Below is a close-up of the flower.  Botanists, ecologists and naturalists have searched the park, but so far our hillside is the only place where this special plant has been found within Griffith Park.

The hill was also covered with these pretty purple flowers.

This is the Skull Cap.  The scientific name, is "scutellaria tuberosa."  (Gerry informed me.)

I love to see the butterflies flutter about.  It's an added bonus when they stay still long enough for me to snap a picture!

The pale swallowtail butterfly, near the purple Blue Dicks  (Dechelostemma), a common park lily

Last week I visited Glen Feliz Elementary School several mornings.  I spent time with the third grade class and their teacher, my friend Marilyn Marks.  Ms. Marks is a very passionate teacher who engages her students.  The upcoming March 12th jog-a-thon was on the calendar, and on their minds.

Marilyn introduced me as Coach Mary.  I taught the kids a brief stretching regimen and talked about nutrition.  I helped train them for March 12th.  The entire school, (1st through 6th grade) participated in the jog-a-thon.  The classes took their turns; every child got their time on the track to walk / jog for 15 minutes.  Their lap were tallied, and it was a very fun fundraiser for the school, sponsored by the PTA.   

Marilyn and her students are excited about butterflies.  They made this spectacular movie, MONARCH, An Amazing Life Cycle.    Take a peak at this You Tube to see the butterflies and the precious actors and actresses I got to know.

Happy Spring to all.  Enjoy the wonders of the season.