Saving The Monarch Butterfly

I have fond memories of driving my bike down our country road and collecting milkweed (Asclepsias syriaca) with my sisters. We would collect just enough to stand up in a glass of water within a gallon jar. Then using a rubber band affix a screen on top of the jar so they could breathe. In a matter of days, you would notice the little caterpillars chewing away at the leaves and in no time, it seemed they were hanging upside down creating chrysalises. The butterflies soon to be on the way here.

Due to the loss of habitat, especially their beloved host plant milkweed, the monarch butterfly has been struggling to regain once abundant numbers. Though, I was just reading an article that suggested the Eastern US population of monarchs is on the rise. This is very encouraging and very evident in our garden. Our milkweed patch now looks like skeletons as the last batch of caterpillars finishes up. There are so many chrysalises throughout our mixture of shrubs and perennials. This is very encouraging and I cannot help but think of all our awesome customers over the years that have provided sanctuaries increasing the population of this awesome species. They still have a way to go but being on an upward trend is exciting.

I have learned that success with these butterflies is all about setting up a garden space full of plants that they love. Having perennials and annuals staged so that blooms are available from March to October keep these guys flocking into the garden. This in conjunction with nice stands of milkweed are critical in getting these populations back. Another critical aspect of the planting is to keep pesticides away. We rarely spray our garden and plant crops like cabbage, that you must spray with Bt or Spinosad, away from these plantings. Our nursery is neonicotinoid-free, and we never use systemic pesticides as well. That way you know the plants you are receiving won't kill the butterflies. I truly appreciate all our customers that have created these spaces to ensure our next generations can admire these natural marvels.

Many thanks, David Burton (founder/owner)