Tag: monarch butterfly

Milkweed for the Monarchs

In my last post, "Poster Child of Pollinators: Monarch Butterflies" I introduced you to the beautiful monarch butterflies that are a vital part of the ecosystem. They are necessary for the reproduction of almost all flowering plants and for the pollination of about one-third of our food plants. But pollinators, including monarchs, are also in danger … Continue reading Milkweed for the Monarchs

I Planted Milkweed…

And the monarchs came! Last fall at our WI cabin, I scattered milkweed seeds from native milkweed that had sparsely grown in what I call the "loop" in the center of the circular driveway.  It's a native area anchored by three Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) trees. There's lots of advice on how to collect milkweed … Continue reading I Planted Milkweed…

Fall Seed Gathering Means Beautiful Summer Zinnias

  Zinnias are a great splash of color in the dog days of summer. My friend Susan has a fabulous hedgerows of zinnias and she shared her secret as to how it looks great year after year. Every fall she gathers the dead seed heads, dries them and stores them in a bag over the … Continue reading Fall Seed Gathering Means Beautiful Summer Zinnias

Hummingbirds and Monarchs

While I've planted a lot of flowers and plants that attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies at home, my WI garden is much more natural, but equally full of attractive plants. This wild columbine at the woods' edge is a natural attractant, while other native and cultivated flowering plants can be found in the garden. … Continue reading Hummingbirds and Monarchs