BUTTERFLY WEED FOR THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES & LIFE IN MY GARDEN

BUTTERFLY WEED FOR THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES & LIFE IN MY GARDEN

This is butterfly weed or asclepias.

I grow it every year, specifically for the monarch butterflies.

Around late July or August, I start feeding and taking really good care of it so it will be healthy and have lots of flowers for the monarchs as they are passing through on their way to Mexico for the winter.

Other butterflies are attracted to it, too.  

For several days now, two monarch butterflies have been fluttering around the blooms.

A few weeks ago, I stopped at a nursery that was having a plant sale.  Butterfly weed was one of the plants on sale.  They weren't doing too well, but I knew I had a plan for them and I could make them happy, again.  I bought 6 one gallon size plants and paid under 3.00 for each one.  

THAT was a good deal!!  

I'm ready for the migrating monarch butterflies.

This poor little dove.  She has been sitting up there on my martin house since she first built her nest in the spring.  But, she never hatched any babies.  After several months, she's still there and I've come to the conclusion that she might be hurt.  Like a wing or leg or something.

I do see her flying straight down for water in the bird bath.  And, she's very close to the area where I feed sunflower seeds, so I guess she's ok with food and water.

Poor little dove.

My bronze fennel is doing really well for summertime.  I was thinking it dies back in the heat of the summer, but maybe not bronze fennel.

Anyway, it's really pretty right now and attracting beneficial insects.

And, here's sweet Punkin.  

Every morning, she's on the front porch where it's cool.  And every afternoon, she's on the back patio.  I'm sure the a/c in the house keeps that little corner cool.  

Also, if by chance she's not there, I'll spray water on those rocks so they'll be cool for her when she starts napping.

It's been a mild summer, so far.  

They're saying our drought might be over by the end of the year.  A lot of rain is expected between now and then.  

CERTAINLY HOPE SO!!

For the sake of nature, hope you and your countryside are getting a decent amount of rain.