There is no sign of milkweed in our yard yet, even though we have over 20 plants established. However, we do have lots of plants in bloom, and the grass is taking off. I have already had to mow the lawn. There is plenty of insect activity. I have seen bumblebees feeding on creeping charlie flowers, and a cabbage white butterfly flying around the garden patch. The ants are on the move, too. Daffodils are just about done blooming, and our blueberry shrubs are just beginning. The raspberry canes are leafing out, but no sign of flowers yet. Every year there are dandelions to dig out and compost. This year is no exception. We might have some green milkweed leaves for monarchs to lay eggs on in early June.

Congrats on releasing your first Monarch! My favorite moment of the whole process is when the butterfly flies free! I just released my first 2 Monarchs of the season yesterday. One was a beautiful large male, but unfortunately one eclosed late in the afternoon and had rumpled wings. She can only fly short distances. This has never happened before! Oh well, the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. Tomorrow I will put her on some nectar plants and wish her the best.

Way to go!

'Sounds like you had a really wonderful weekend, alright, Kathy! Five dollars for those plants is great - nobody is making any money off of them with those low prices, so I'm sure they're true butterfly people. Congrats on all the eggs and cats, and here's hoping you'll get many more, including spicebush swallowtails! Sherry