Flowers and Friends

"That butterfly will sip nectar from flowers," Oliver said. "When it visits a bloom, it can carry pollen from one flower to another. That helps plants make seeds — and helps our garden stay full of color next year."

"So the caterpillar ate leaves," Bella said, "and the butterfly helps flowers."

"Different jobs," Oliver nodded, "same garden family."

Bella watched the butterfly circle the sunflowers. She felt proud she had waited and learned.

That evening she planted a few extra flowers by the fence — "for butterflies," she told Oliver.

"And for curious rabbits," Oliver added, and they both laughed.