The first day of May brought birds, bees and butterflies out in celebratory numbers. This Swallowtail was lapping up the rich and fragrant nectar of freshly blooming Centranthus ruber–sometimes called garden valerian. There are three colors that self sow in the garden: White, Red and Pink.

These flower heads contain hundreds of individual flower stalks, so the Swallowtail can spend what seems like forever on one plant.

This plant is sometimes confused with the medicinal plant “Valerian” which has sedative properties and is often used to make a relaxing tea.

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