I grabbed up the mountain mint too. Katie was just telling me how good it is for pollinators. I really love the plants with good smelling foliage too. I'm always rubbing the agastaches, carolina allspice, garden sage, and lemon balm and then smelling my fingers when I'm outside. The neighbors must think it quite odd!
I got my buttonbush from a local native plant sale so I haven't grown it from seed myself. I don't get many butterflies on it, but the bees and little flower beetles absolutely love it. I planted it in my sump pump/ bird pool/ rain garden area and it does really well with all the water. Unfortunately, I have crammed so much stuff in there that I don't have anymore room for plants needing wet soil unless I expand it... which is a big project.
I think the swap is going really well so far and I am liking the system. Coming on here for the swap and to look at the forums and wonderful photos has been a much needed distraction for me. On Monday I had to put down my 15 year old dog after a very hard week of trying to turn it around. This is really the first time in my life when I didn't have at least one dog and it is a hard adjustment. It doesn't help any that winter has finally kicked into full swing and it is so cold, icy, and dark outside. Thinking of spring and starting to sow some seeds will help I think. Spring can't come soon enough.
