I spend most of my time on the butterfly forum, and most areas have had a significant lack of butterflies this year. But, things are really picking up just this week in many regions. Last summer was a terrible drought, and this spring was cool and wet. So, things were off to a slow start. But, it's getting better. Just keep growing the native plants and heavy nectar annuals, etc., and you'll be rewarded with visits eventually. Thanks for taking the time to respond to the post and spread the word to gardening folk and others. Martha

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

Most plants in my gardens are either attractive to butterflies or hummingbirds, or both (nectar wise) and I've added two "butterfly weed" (the "a" word plants that I can't pronouce or spell, lol). We've had a lot of work over the past year bringing the gardens back from weeds or non-existance, but this year we've been rewarded...with a LOT of bees (and I do mean this in a positive way, I'm always happy to see the honeybees)! One morning my "sundrops" were absolutely full of them-there was at least one bee per flower! And a hummer or two, and some cabbage whites. I have begun to see some painted ladies (I think) and hopefully the monarchs will start to arrive soon. I plan yet another bed of just wildflower seed, and one more TBD (seed mix is so temptingly easy and cheap compared to buying individual plants). I think it was two or three years ago when we saw a bunch of monarchs taking shelter in some trees during the migration-it was phenominal. We live on the shore of Lake Ontario, so we're right in a major pathway for them...

Awesome pictures, Kathy! The thistle really is beautiful. That planting for the birds thing is a great idea. I haven't seen it done here. Now, the butterflies will migrate and the tag will be read by someone far away? Stupid question alert***Will this butterfly survive the winter and come back up here to lay eggs? Or is it a goner? (School was a looong time ago and I have an appt soon and cannot research right now - and it will be out of my head by the time I get upstairs to change, lol) Jeanne