Last summer was a terrible time for us in Missouri and in many other places. Hot, hot weather and very little rain. This year is much better, but we are feeling the after-effects by seeing very few butterflies.

The night isn't as noisy with the sounds of insects, either. I hope that populations will rebuild. Insects lay millions of eggs, after all.

I like to grow plants that support butterflies and other interesting insects.

About dandelions - I'm not a picky gardener, but my place has almost no dandelions. They are a weak plant, and removing them really does work. Since they are an invasive Eurasian species for me, I have compunction about killing them.

I once tried tender young dandelions greens in a salad. They tasted like weeds.