“When it was finally dark, the curious headed out into the
summer woods. Some folks had small flashlights. But sheets—one
hung between trees in the woods, another near a pond, a third in
a meadow—drew the crowds with glow of CFL blacklight bulbs
against the dark trees and sky. The glow also drew the moths. One
sheet hung like a canvas stenciled with silhouettes—living moths
had alighted on it.”
”We saw underwing moths. Underwings look drab,
tan and gray at first. But the entomologist gently parted the drab
wings to reveal colorful interior wings, like petticoats of vivid
pinks, scarlets, and gold.”
“I wanted to know more,” she said, “Who’s out there? What are they
doing? And why do they do it at night?”
“Just step outside in dusk or dark. Pay atten-
tion to what flutters around the lamp on the
front porch. Notice different fragrances. Let your
curiosity open doors of exploration into the other
side, the dark side of our gardens and yards.”
These quotes are from Margaret Roach, New York Times garden columnist, interviewed for Jenks’ book, Secrets of Southern Gardening Pro-tips for Success. Margaret inspired our Moth Ball on the lily farm.
The evening culminates with a shadow puppet show. Puppetier extraordinaire performs live theatre stock full of lessons (and jokes) especially for bug and plant people.
Turn the lights off, folks; get out there on a hot night and meet the night shift, the bugs and plants that keep the world going while we rest.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.