We had a very productive last summer. We raised and released 48 Monarch butterflies. We took in 50 eggs but only 48 made it to butterflies. The whole process was much more time consuming than beekeeping. To prevent disease, we changed Milkweed leaves and cleaned the nursery tanks daily. Once the last butterfly fluffed it wings out in the garden, a sense of accomplishment and … Continue reading Raising Monarch butterflies
Raising More Monarchs This Year: As much as I want to complain about the heat and heavy rain, the garden seems to enjoy it. The lawn that I haven’t invaded with extended garden yet is lush green. Vegetables and flowers are growing profusely. Except for tomatoes, the heirloom types don’t do well at all. And insects, they follow their food in. We are happy to … Continue reading Monarch
More Of Them This Year The population of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) has been dwindling down to a point of concern that they may be heading toward extinction. With a small patch of garden, we try our best to help them by letting the Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) grow. It’s the only plant that Monarch caterpillars eat. I didn’t grow the first milkweed. It came … Continue reading Monarch
Petals and Wings 