Overboard by Chip Dunham for September 15, 2019

I plan to.

Remember to use whole milkweed not that 2% junk…

Storms darken our skies more often than I care for.

But remember, the HOA has to approve it first.

We are on many acres and are completely pesticide free. We have acres of milkweed and other wildflowers and encourage all pollinators. Monarch populations are disappearing rapidly. The time to do something about it is now.

Just make sure it is the correct variety as many cultivars do not help. Look for the native Asclepias syriaca Common Milkweed.

Chip hit another home run with this one!

When I was a kid on the farm in Ontario Canada some 50 years ago – gosh! – I used to see monarchs in the summer practically daily. Also some of the blue winged butterflies. Now, even though I might spend less time outdoors, I have to realize that I haven’t seen the monarch butterfly and over 20 years! Shame. Sign of the times. On the other hand there is no shortage of the white cabbage butterflies. They may even have increased in numbers.

A friend sent me Butterfly Weed seeds (a form of milkweed). They take a long time to grow but supposed to be very hardy. I have some lantana to keep the butterflies happy until then.

I have a pretty large lawn. There’s a huge patch I leave unmowed where milkweed grows. We get tons of butterflies, but no monarchs.

Just looked up planting regions for milkweed and we’re not listed at all. Usually northern Utah get listed but we rarely do, except for cactus and dirt. We’re two hours north of Las Vegas. It’s very hot and dry here. This place bites.

https://www.geoengineeringwatch.org/

Us too.

amen

In S.E. Michigan,we have been fortunate to have lots of Monarchs.I have seen Moths colored the same as Monarchs.Can’t find what they are in books,or online ;)

It grows wild all over our property and I make sure to never cut it down.

Reminds me of this:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/239676011392895576/

good. I’m tired of milking my weeds

We planted about 30 milkweed plants a couple of years ago and the monarchs came, laid lots of eggs, and the caterpillars ate all the leaves off of every plant. The poor plants couldn’t keep up with them.

I wanted to do that. But before I found a source for the seeds a good number began appearing in my yard, right where I wanted to plant them.

Live in a neighborhood where milkweed could result in a fine if seen from the road. Have some in the back though.

I have milkweed growing along the pond. Almost never see a caterpillar. Did see a few monarchs this year, though. Did any of you see on MLB site the monarch that landed on a pitcher’s glove as he was about to release the ball?

I’m in! I’d plant some items to help the monarchs if I were able. I’m with them in spirit, though.

Happy Sunday, Crew.

I have been looking for native milkweed for several years now and finally found a packet of seeds at a heritage center in northeastern Tennessee. I will be planting those seeds this fall as per the recommendations on the packet. I also found some native columbine to plant in a shady area of my yard. I am hoping for more color next year. I always try to plant butterfly and bee attractors in my yard and do not allow pesticides.

Wish I was there with Nate and Louie! They look so happy and content, don’t they?

Good Sunday afternoon, Crew!

We still have monarchs and many other butterflies. We like to spread the milkweed seeds.

I’d say those butterflies are lightening up Nate and Louie’s day. We need more of them. Good evening Crew!

Here in upstate NY we are having a Monarch migration much like the ones remembered from many years ago. Both Monarchs and Painted Lady butterflies are here in large numbers. Keep planting for them and let’s make sure this isn’t just an odd year.

I saw dozens of them on Saturday…must have just emerged…all on the same day.