The gray, or common, hairstreak butterfly is not an unusual sight in south Texas. But since it's rather small and somewhat inconspicuous, you may not have noticed it before. I found this one sipping nectar from the equally inconspicuous flowers on our common basil plant.

I like the subtle contrast of the aqua-blue and brown zigzag and the jolts of orange against the gray. Also notice the little tails at the ends of the wings and the banded antennae. And don't butterflies have cute faces?

We don't use chemicals in our yard (except on fire ant mounds as a last resort), so butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds love our garden. My husband also makes savory pesto sauce and bruschetta from our basil, which thrives in our garden, along with mint, thyme, and rosemary. The basil is even growing wild in our mulched vegetable garden. If anybody wants recipes, let me know!