“If it lives, kill it” might as well be the axiom across San Diego city and the close-in communities, like the Village of University Heights or nearby Hillcrest and North Park. Insecticide is spread among so many properties that I am surprised there are any insects at all. Butterflies still flourish as do house flies, crickets, and some spiders. But they don’t thrive and their numbers are diminished.
Far more serious is the carnage among things that grow. Homeowners chop down trees, tear out grass, and replace lovely green spaces with cold concrete and wood structures, so-called Accessary Dwelling Units, or ADUs. The city wants them, and residents are rewarded for erecting ADUs. Other folks keep the lawn space but replace grass with wood chips or sand; trees of every kind, even those bearing fruit, are destroyed and replaced with succulents.
But here and there, some homeowners resist and keep vibrant habitats. One woman who lives nearby maintains a lush garden of fruits and vegetables. Her greenery and flowers attract bees and butterflies, among many other plant-friendly bugs.
So, I was thrilled to discover what you see in the Featured Image. The same neighbor shares milkweed cuttings that can be planted to attract Monarch butterflies. Yes. Yes. Celebrate Mother’s Day. by planting an insect garden. Who is credited for this act of generosity? Rick, the cat.
I used Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to make the moment, today. Vitals: f/1.4, ISO 64, 1/3333 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 4:25 p.m. PDT.