Well, darned, they must have changed it just as I exited the website. I have sent an e-mail to Customer Service. It's very confusing because they have a disclaimer (in red print) that specifically states that 2006 seed is still available, but that 2007 seed will be forthcoming (paraphrasing). I told them about this forum (they probably already know), and that when I checked the site, the seed kits were advertised as $9.60, and noted the discrepancy in the disclaimer. I asked if they would consider offering discounts to those of us who garden or would like to garden for the Monarchs and perhaps become Monarch Waystations. We'll see what their response is. Susan

Good grief! Here's the problem...ESPECIALLY if you live in Southern California... We have SO many micro-climates that if you were truly to find 'a' native, chances are, it is NOT going to grow in the supposed area you are told it is native to because of the micro-climate. Yes, this is true. I don't care what anyone tells you. I have had so many people contact me asking why their 'native' milkweed isn't growing. hmmm...shall I explain wby? Why does the A. curassavica grow better in certain areas whereas the A. fasicularis just sit there and, well, NOT? Could it be the soil? Water quantity? Moisture in the air? Fog layer? Altitude? Oh my, I could go on and on and on. Even within one city, there are a variety of micro-climates so that you can't state that a 'native' is going to definitely grow! Sheesh. If people are this fired up over a Milkweed plant, then perhaps they should just grow it in a pot. There are many plants that are NOT natives and there aren't any complaints that I hear of. In fact, lots of the fires that we've had lately? Native plants not having any water *but that's natural because they're not supposed to, right? so the area is dry and brittle and fire prone...and by leaving it 'back to the native' it opened up a huge fire zone So was it bad? Bad meaning bad having these native plants out there? No. Bad for fires though, yes. I'm not saying we shouldn't have native plants. Nah, not that at all. I just think that it's like politics and religion and not something people should argue over. Each person should be entitled to their own opinion. Plain and simple. I don't think this is something worth arguing over. Sherry

Runmede, Thanks for sharing this information, and thanks for all the hours you've contributed to getting the word out and working to develop habitat to support the Monarchs. If we each could educate just a few close friends or colleagues and encourage them to mention these issues among their aquaintences, then a general consciousness of the problem would grow. Already, we've seen the growth of native plant businesses and the increased use of native plants in the traditional gardens. We just need to expand on the progress that has been made and keep building up momentum. Projects like yours will help immensely. Many of us don't have as many hours to devote as you do, but we can still help. I mentioned the Monarch plight during devotions at the start of our weekly business meeting. I also gave a brief explanation of how/why I garden the way I do at my office party, for a few folk who were hanging around by me. I get a chance to talk to patients and families on a daily basis, and once in awhile we get on to the subject of gardening or scary environmental changes--especially with cancer patients. Of course, I deal with whatever the patient needs, but if an obvious opening occurs in a conversation, I mention it as casual conversation. I have learned that broaching these issues needs to be done with extreme caution and sensitivity. The last thing we need to do is come across as superior and judgmental. I find the easiest way to be gentle is to just describe how I started gardening and reading on line and discovered how fun it is to observe the increase in the diversity of bugs and birds I saw in my garden in a short time. And mention how relatively carefree native plants are, since they evolved to exist in each region without the support of humans and irrigation or fertilizers. Depending on the audience, then you can observe how much less expensive it is to maintain a native garden patch than it is a manicured lawn--no watering, mowing, or weed killers. Plus, you get butterflies and hummingbirds! I should stop wandering. This is just how I'm treating myself Christmas morning. I'm procrastinating getting work done, which is due by the 31st. But, this feels at least as important, from a global sense. And I've already accomplished much of what work needs. Hope I've provided a bit of inspiration for some of you. I'm off to check in with the rest of my favorite forums. Martha

Tracy, you're in warm enough zone, that TM will be perennial for you. I think they are hardy to zone 8. There are no "special" germination requirements for it. Just sow them like you would your veggies. I direct sow some and start some indoors in pots. They germinate quickly in warm temps. Do the Monarchs migrate from your area into Mexico and/or California, or do they stay in your location over winter? I am not familiar with Western Monarchs. I know some overwinter in California, very far South in the Eucalyptus trees, I think. Eastern Monarchs are much easier to follow, since we know they all migrate to Mexico. Now there appears to be some question about whether a few or some of them actually migrate into Arizona and perhaps eventually, California. Are you in Southern Arizona? Here is some info you may find interesting. Susan Here is a link that might be useful: Western Monarchs