Debra Allen of Easthampton took this photo last month in her backyard garden on West Street in Easthampton.
“I had heard about the plight of bees and Monarch butterflies in particular, so wanted to plant flowers that would hopefully attract these species,” she wrote in an email. “I began planting about three years ago and each year eagerly anticipated what creatures would visit. The plants I chose for my garden include bee balm, blue flax, black-eyed Susan, cone flower, milkweed, butterfly bushes and butterfly weed, which is pictured here. I have had lots of bees and also some hummingbirds, which is a special treat! But the most exciting to me was a visit from this beautiful monarch butterfly in July. An added benefit, is watching the various flowers grow taller and more beautiful each year.”
Photo by DEBRA ALLEN
of EASTHAMPTON
HOW TO SUBMIT: The Your Photos feature showcases photographs shot by readers of events or scenes of interest. Selections for publication will be made at the discretion of Gazette editors. To submit a photo, email it as an attachment to newsroom@gazettenet.com with “Your Photos” in the subject line. Photos should be of high resolution. Senders should include a daytime telephone number and a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the photo including when and where it was shot. For more information, call Debra Scherban at 585-5229.