Thanks to Beth, over at Beyond the Garden Gate,
we have been certified as a Monarch Way Station!
She had posted a few weeks back
about acquiring her certification.
If you haven't checked out her garden posts,
you really should. Her garden is amazing!
It was simply a matter of filling out an application,
which can be found here.
about acquiring her certification.
If you haven't checked out her garden posts,
you really should. Her garden is amazing!
It was simply a matter of filling out an application,
which can be found here.
Some of the requirements for these critters are:
*Planting native milkweed. This is the host plant,
but also serves as nectar for the butterflies.
The monarchs lay their eggs on the milkweed,
and when the eggs hatch, the caterpillars begin
eating their way through the plant.
but also serves as nectar for the butterflies.
The monarchs lay their eggs on the milkweed,
and when the eggs hatch, the caterpillars begin
eating their way through the plant.
Without this host plant, the monarch cannot survive.
*Plant other nectar sources. Pentas, butterfly bush and zinnias provide great food sources for them.
*Water sources. We keep several birdbaths in our garden.
One way to ensure butterflies can get enough hydration
is to place a few rocks in the birdbath, so the monarchs can perch on them to gather the water.
*Plant other nectar sources. Pentas, butterfly bush and zinnias provide great food sources for them.
*Water sources. We keep several birdbaths in our garden.
One way to ensure butterflies can get enough hydration
is to place a few rocks in the birdbath, so the monarchs can perch on them to gather the water.
Keeping everything pesticide-free is vital to the health and well-being of these delicate creatures.
We feel good knowing that we are providing for these critters
who add so much beauty and fascination to our world.
What a fabulous school or church project for kids.
I hope you'll consider joining us!
We feel good knowing that we are providing for these critters
who add so much beauty and fascination to our world.
What a fabulous school or church project for kids.
I hope you'll consider joining us!
Daisy, up until just a few years ago, I never knew that Milkweed was required for Monarch butterfly existence. Coming from a Midwestern agriculture background, Milkweed was just that, a weed and was destined to be eradicated from the row crop being grown. It's been so ingrained in my psyche that I cringe at actually thinking about growing Milkweed for butterflies. I have softened a bit to the idea but I'm just not quite there to actually plant the Milkweed intentionally or let them grow intentionally. Even at that I still see Monarch butterflies around the garden. Not in any great number but a few. There must be some Milkweeds in the wooded areas near my gardens some where. Maybe some day I can actually allow Milkweeds in or near my gardens. :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a great Monarch certification Day.
I'm glad you're able to enjoy the butterflies!
Delete