It's way too early for me to see Monarch in my region? But, I saw one as plain sight today, and hubby too saw it. Though, it could be Gulf frit. But even G.F. still it's way too early for either kind. Is it feasible that Monarch is indeed here in Central Alabama? Your answer is much appreciated.
1st Monarch Sighting?
Lily_love,
I had my first Monarch sighting in my yard yesterday and I live in central Arkansas (North Little Rock) so yes, I'd say it is possible you already have Monarchs in your area. This one was feeding on Homestead Purple verbena and she fed for a long time. I'm watching for her again today and hope she decides to eventually leave me a gift of eggs.
I overwintered some potted tropical milkweed so have fresh growth and some blooms for the early Monarchs. Also have tons of newly germinated tropical MW. My pride and joy this spring is my big tub of common mw. It didn't do a lot last year but boy, is it going gang busters this spring. The growth is so strong looking, with many new shoots popping up. The first shoots are already about 7-8 inches high and those big healthy leaves are a treat to see ... lots of food for the hungary little cats I hope to have.
I have other varieties of mw breaking ground but none as pretty right now as that common mw.
Also noticed the maypop vines I planted last year in a big pot are also breaking ground! Yea. Don't know if it's the usual time for it to show it's spring growth in our area or if it's because it's planted in a big tub, which I expect is warming up a bit quicker than the garden soil.
Good luck with your butterfly season this year.
Mary
Thank you Mary for your reply. Since I made my post I've seen the said Monarch in another occassion. I'm so glad, for I've Milkweeks that piggy-bagged into my tropical container planting. Those containers are now back outdoor to harden off. Like you, I'm hoping the butterfly I saw will leave me some egg souvenir. lol. Happy gardening to you as well.
BTW, it seems spring has sprung passed us too. Now we're straight into summer! And yes my Maypops alread 'popped' through the ground. That's over 4 weeks earlier than usual as I've noticed. Besides Monarch, I'm also ready for Gulf Frits and others. Happy Spring.
ooops typo; above I typed "Milkweeks". I meant Milkweeds. Sorry folks.
I've seen them for the first time this week too. Yay!! ^_^
We saw one yesterday and the day before. That makes about 6 I think so far that we actually laid eyes on. They didn't stay long, places to go....