The Garden at Oswegatchie School
Vision

Sunday, August 23, 2020
Cecropia moth caterpillar
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This caterpillar is about 5 weeks old. |
In the beginning of August we discovered this extremely large, magnificently alien looking caterpillar in the garden. We had never seen one before so we got to researching. What we discovered is that the garden has become home to one of the largest silk moths in North America, the cecropia silk moth caterpillar. The one pictured hatched anywhere from 4-6 weeks ago based on the size and coloring. Soon it will spin a sturdy chrysalis and begin its transformation. It will stay safe and snug in the cocoon until May or June of next year. When it emerges it will have a wing span of 5-7 inches. Adult cecropia moths do not eat at all their entire adult lives! They will mate, the female will lay eggs, and if they aren't eaten by predators, will die after two weeks.
We will be updating pictures as changes occur in the garden. The ones shown below are to show the stages we didn't get to document, they are not from our garden.
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Adult moths mating |
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first caterpillar instar |
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adult moth |
Friday, August 21, 2020
The Garden Goes Digital!
Welcome to the Virtual Garden!
We are excited to begin this virtual garden project so you as the visitor can get a detailed explanation of the garden happenings in real time. Our goal is to make the garden interactive so anyone can access and enjoy this diverse ecosystem we are growing.
The information will be updated as the garden goes through all of it's cycles. We plan on including information on the habitats and ecosystems that thrive here as well as planting and growing information for all of the beds.
Scan codes will be placed all around the garden. All you need to do is use your device to scan the code and click the link to have instant information.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Jerusalem artichokes
Rob & Cynthia