The Homemakers Magazine

Fire! It’s frightening when out of control, yet it’s a great friend and comforter when harnessed.

From the earliest days of civilization, fire has held man under a magic spell. Fire had the power to protect by warding off evil spirits and predators; to cook food; to provide warmth and to create a social centerpiece for communication.

That same relationship with fire still exists within us today holding a hypnotic fascination for us that has the power to mesmerize. It is, of course, generally accepted that the existence of a fire forms a focal point to a room – if not a real fire then imitation flames will fulfill the purpose.

Take any outdoor social event and sure enough many will feature a fire in one form or another. Maybe a hog roast or barbecue or even something as simple as a bonfire at a firework party. And, after all, no self-respecting scout camp would be without its campfire!

In every case, the fire forms the center of attraction for people to gather around and bond. Take a moment to look at those assembled around and you’ll observe a general sense of well being. Singing, laughter, discussion, chatter, reflection, and always, bring an overall air of calm and contentment.

In recent years, it has become common for households to create a purpose-built fire pit into their gardens and yards often as an intrinsic part of the garden landscaping. Greater sophistication has now been given to the fire pit concept by incorporating the fire genie into a piece of furniture in the garden or on the patio or deck.

Enter the Fire Pit Table. Now the magic of the fire has been incorporated into the center of a table bringing, shall we say, a casual formality to al fresco evenings around the fire. With very little preparation one can now conjure up a warm, welcoming atmosphere right on the patio. Seated comfortably around the table with the fire in the center, you will find there is also plenty of space for glasses and plates. Maybe you just want the flames to feature as a focal centerpiece or perhaps to toast marshmallows and s’mores on the fire. However you decide to entertain your guests, evenings around a fire pit table will assuredly be fun, relaxing and very atmospheric. Your al fresco soirées will soon become the talk of the neighborhood.

Most fire pit tables come with a lid to cover the fire bowl enabling the whole tabletop to be conveniently used as a large, flat surface but I’m betting there will always be the itch to lift the lid and summon your friend the fire genie.

This is a garden accessory that I’m certain will become increasingly popular and for me it’s a must-have that will be gracing my patio this year.

Oh yes – I’m picturing the scene as I write.
“Hello – It’s great to see you. May I introduce you to my friend, the Fire Genie ” !

Brian is the author of a site that provides a fire pit table review

Butterfly Host Plants

Most butterflies have a favored plant that they lay their eggs on; we call these plants host plants. Host plants are those that the caterpillars eat from or those that provide a place to spin their cocoons.

Caterpillars do tend to damage plants, most people try to keep them out of their gardens for that reason so if you choose to host butterflies, prepare yourself.  It is human nature to install plants that attract butterflies and then be annoyed and astounded when the caterpillars eat the plants!

Female butterflies know that caterpillars tend to be small and move slowly.  It is hard for them to travel any distance to search for food, so butterflies tend to only lay eggs on the types of plants that nurture the caterpillars.  Caterpillars hatched on the wrong plants usually do not survive.

Many people do not plant butterfly gardens because they understand that they are willingly inviting insects they would normally consider pests.  The tradeoff for having beautiful butterflies in your garden is that some of your plants will look a little worse for the wear.

Host plants must be planted near the nectar producing plants in order to make it easier for newly hatched butterflies to feed.  If you plant them too far apart, there will be fewer butterflies in your garden.

Here is a look at some of the more popular butterflies and some guidance on which host plants you will need if you want to attract them.

Monarch Butterflies

Planting these host plants may not ensure that a particular type of butterfly will frequent your garden but it does up the odds! Monarch butterflies are among the more plentiful and popular butterflies.  In case you are not sure, Monarchs are medium-sized orange and black butterflies.  Monarchs lay their eggs primarily on milkweed plants.  So, you will have to have milkweed available if you wish to be visited by the Monarch butterfly.

 Black Swallowtails

Black swallowtails are very large yellow and black butterflies. I am sure you have seen some of these!  They are pretty big and bright so they get noticed.  Swallowtails tend to lay their eggs on dill, carrots, parsley, and fennel.  If you plant herbs and vegetables, you will probably see a few of these beauties in your garden.

European Cabbage Butterflies

European cabbage butterflies and white cabbage butterflies like to deposit their eggs on cabbage as well as other cruciferous vegetables.  They feed on cabbage, mustard greens, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables in the cabbage and mustard families. They know greens are good for you!

Eastern Tiger Swallowtails

Eastern tiger swallowtails choose to lay eggs upon willow and sycamore trees.  Anyone with these trees is probably already familiar with the fat green catepillars that turn into these lovely butterflies. Another popular species is the Painted lady butterfly. These are bright orange, black, and white, and even get mistaken on occasion for the monarch butterfly.  Painted ladies like to lay eggs on plants like the thistle, hollyhock, and sunflower.

The spicebush swallowtail is a somewhat fascinating butterfly.  Its caterpillars can be very scary looking, appearing to have a large frightful face!  Their eggs are usually laid on spice bushes or sassafras trees.  Be sure to plant a few of these spicy trees if you want these freaky looking insects to live in your garden!