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Let's Remember the Monarchs

By SCurtis
March 27, 2015

Let's all plant a butterfly garden this year to help the butterflies and bees.

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Mar 28, 2015 5:42 AM CST
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Name: Anna
Central NY (Zone 5a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Daylilies Organic Gardener Composter Vegetable Grower Butterflies
Echinacea Clematis Lover of wildlife (Raccoon badge) Cat Lover Birds Winter Sowing
It is so important to plant the variety of milkweed native to your area. Planting the wrong variety can have disastrous effects on the Monarch's migration. I have a sizable butterfly garden & add to it every year. Tho milkweed is the Monarch's go to plant for egg laying & sustenance for the larvae, other plants are important to them too, such as dill weed & fennel. For a nectar supply Monararda (bee balm) is an excellent source, as is echinacea, (coneflower). These are 2 of the easiest nectar plants to grow for all species of butterfly. Another easy-peasy flower they flock to is the herb oregano, & a native plant, Joe Pye Weed. Joe Pye Weed grows naturally in wet areas, along quite steams, bogs, & beside ponds. It can get up to 5' in height. There is a Baby Joe Pye variety that I grow, which is about half the height. It has a light pungent aroma, that is very pleasing. New England & New York asters are another favorite, as are the purple spikes of liatris. The bottom line is that there are many plants that butterflies are drawn to, & if we all plant even just 1 of them, it's a step in the right direction in bringing the Monarch population back. Kudos to all of you that have made the effort, because you have made a difference. And kudos to all of you who will start your 1st butterfly gardens this season.
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Last edited by RavenCroft Mar 28, 2015 5:45 AM Icon for preview
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