Finally!!! Monarchs

[Patti]

Every year my milkweed is eaten down to stubs by mid April here in Ft. Lauderdale, but, not this year. My milkweed went into full bloom and then turned to seed. My butterfly garden looked like it was snowing as the seeds took to the wind. I was very worried that the Monarchs who "knew" my garden had been destroyed in the mud slides of Mexico or the strange cold storms in the south this winter. Not one in sight. Then in late April a couple of very small ones appeared. Soon there were several, all of them rather small, and shortly after the milkweed was eaten up. I left on vacation the last day of April. Friends here at the Condo said the butterfly garden was alive with Monarchs and all came out to see.

I've been home two days now and two HUGE Monarchs were out playing around my head as I pulled weeds and cut back the many dead stems. Finally!!! Monarchs-such beauty, such joy. Some survived! I rushed to the store and bought more milkweed.

[joann0811]

I'm located in southern MD and, just like last year, saw my first Monarch in early July. It was a male, I saw him one day and nothing since. I went to my garden yesterday to check it out, flipped a leaf over and there it was, a little tiny cat! Flipped a few more leafs over and found a total of 4 (which means many more). I was so surprised as I look out everyday and, on most days, wonder down to check for weeds and "other" pest.

Once these little guys get a little bigger, I'll collect and release once they've pupated and emerged. I did this last year and ended up with over 30 beautiful Monarchs to release.