Domehomedee , Looks like the beginning of a real nice Meadow garden ,
Good hopes to your Caterpillars ,
Real nice cover structure also , Took a few minutes to build that one ? I would imagine
Raising Monarch Butterflies and a chrysalis
Yeah, I thought I was being so smart incorporating a sprinkler into the center structure. Not thinking for a minute that it wouldn't be alright for the cocoons to get wet. Also thought it was cool the deer don't like milkweed, or rue, or some of the other host plants. But what about the grand-kids? The host plants are kind of high allergy, skin irritating plants. So I might fence it, even 3' would do it, and use the fence for host vines. I can move the center structure outside the watering area close by and put a shade cloth on the roof. They seem to like the shade cloth. I use potted milkweed in the structure for food so it will be easy to move. It's taking some adjusting, but I think it's going to be a good butterfly garden. I have some fennel started in the back and I'd like to get some other plants going next year.
I wouldn't protect the kids from the MW, teach them to wear gloves and wash their hands afterward, and be cautious about touching plants they see there. Children need to be taught about the wonderful world of insects like butterflies. I know I wish I had been taught when I was younger and not just finding out when I was in my late sixties! I am sure it was covered in science in school but nothing teaches like the real thing!
Love the spacious garden you are starting, keep posting pictures as it develops!
This message was edited Aug 11, 2014 3:33 PM
I hear you. I told my daughter she needs to tell the kids not to eat any plants that aren't IN the vegetable garden or that she hasn't checked with an adult. As far a touching goes that's a little harder with the really young ones. I'd rather put up that 3' fence so I can plant things like Rue in there.
I put up a 3' section of chicken wire (?!) around what we called the "Back 40." not to keep kids out, but the dogs. And it was to protect the plants which weren't poisonous, or hard on the skin. I guess short fencing has it's place. It's still standing around the back 40 after 5 years with no tending.
no butterflies here yet. Not much of a year for skippers, etc., either. Could be a result of me neglecting the garden and not planting enough annuals? Will see.
Keep the news coming everybody. I'm still hopeful they will find me this season.
These are on the other thread here , but a few days ago
Skipper
painted lady
Eastern Black SWT
I"m waiting for my 3 monarch cocoons to open. I saw a skipper here yesterday too and a white butterfly I have no ID for.
I'm not sure that we impact how many butterflies come by our garden, just how happy they are once they arrive, LOL.
The list today got long ;
Meadow Frittillary
A pair of large Eastern Tiger SWT's
A Giant SWT
Moth hummers about five -snowberry clearwings really
Painted lady
Red Admiral
Half a dozen skipper species
Black SWT's have been here as I am seeing cats ..
Lots of Butterflies this Sunday
Domehomedee here is hoping for those Monarch cocoons you have !
Hello all. Good to get some updates on our efforts this year. I have been busy tending all the Milkweed plugs we ordered and getting some Waystations established along my route and growing on MW and fall nectar plants. Last year was my first year with raising cats and I am determined to do all I can to see all arriving here in my neck of the woods well fed and protected to migration maturity. Here is a link to the fourth thred in a series outlining some of the sightings and efforts going on in the Mid Atlantic area. Currently 8+ of us and friends are pooling efforts and rsources to raise up over a hundred eggs I have found on my juvenile milkweed plants in the passed week. Mama returns each day to lay 20 more! Even with the 150 plus plants they are being laid on I know that demand will exceed supply, so later this week I'll be transfering at least half to some good folks with well established plants and empty rearing containers because there has been no Monarch activity in their areas. Makes me hopeful that all of us doing our parts can keep the Monarchs and their migration going so more of us catch on and catch up.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1371944/
That's amazing! I wish I lived closer I have lots of extra milkweed. Maybe I'll get some more cats here before the weather turns. I am awaiting 3 very healthy looking cocoons to open. Of course all the planting this year means more and better milkweed for next season so it hasn't been a complete waste. I have rescued several butterflies from my green house this past week, no new monarchs though.
Thanks. Dee. I'm still stunned that a Monarch even showed up in my yard as during the 30 plus yrs living here I have only seen 3 or 4 total in my yard. Did they read my dmail or plant orders? lol Or did we dream this up by posting again and again on a thread called "Plant It and They Will Come"? What a gift they give us to be a part of nature and not sit on the opposite side of the fence as users and consumers primarily.
Talked on Sat with a man living 10 miles away who also has over 100 eggs. We broached the subject of 'captive breeding' some to increase the numbers of migrators this Fall. If half are females and they bred with those eager males and laid 100 + eggs each on beautiful pure milkweed while sipping pristine nectar from a multitude of favorite flowers, protected from predation, we could easily see Ten Thousand chrysalies ready to eclose and head south..
Of course, that would probably bedt be done in a Butterfly House! Just happen to know that one county over there is one sitting idle...just encouraging all of us to see the way forward.
Just returned from the Dollar Store with more 'containers' and the hungry cats have munched thru all their leaves from breakfast! Glad to harvest more for lunch and afternoon snack.!
Oh a butterfly house! I wish I could come up with a plan to put one in here in my community.
Still waiting here - telling you, I don't know what is going on in NC, but I am not seeing any kind of activity. Even pollinator traffic is down. :/
A.
Check out who came out today! Actually there were three, but one didn't want his picture taken, he just wanted out of the enclosure, so I freed him. I left the door open for these two, it was getting cold and didn't think they would leave tonight.
And then I was hand watering and look who I found.
So I am getting some butterflies this year after all, it seems late, but what do I know.
Sad to go through spring and summer and not see much action. It is so hot here I am not putting effort into being outside looking for them. I see more as I come and go on errands. Only a couple of Monarchs have wandered thru, and the male queens torment them of course.
Sheila - may the fall bring you cooler weather and much butterflies to make up to the disappointment so far .....