http://www.monarchwatch.org/ws/ Let's help save the Monarchs! I love the "waystation" idea. And YES, I want the little sign for my yard! :)) That would be just too much fun!
I have so much milkweed coming up now, but I'm leaving every one of them. I only had a couple of plants last year, so I'm excited to see what it will look like with all of them now! Mine is A. curassivica. I have a few plants that came back, but we had a very light winter. This is my 3rd to have my Swamp milkweed come back. It's never bloomed so I hope it will this year!
Last year I was the only one gardening but now new neighbors behind me have planted a garden and the ones beside me have started beds. I'm wondering how I will contain my milkweed when it starts to reseed. I don't WANT to contain it but I know they don't want it all in theirs. I guess I could try and catch the seed pods before they all blow out and then hand sprinkle them out, or I could just wait and see if any even blow over and anyone complains.
Monarch Waystations
I've never heard of milkweeds being invasive in suburban gardens. You're pulling my leg, right?
Thanks koncreteblond---
We're getting a "Monarch Waystation" garden planted---and hope to get certified (and a sign!!). My sisters' families in San Diego and Seattle are doing it along with us and we hope to get more of our relatives to do it. Sounds like a good (and fun) cause.
We looked up some good butterfly plants especially for our area on this page http://www.naba.org/pubs/bgh.html
And here's a neat page with info on butterflies found all across America (scroll up to the map and click on your state).
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/bflyusa/bflyusa.htm#links
in case anyone else is interested in getting a Waystation going.
We were talking about this on the Wildlife forum, too, so I'm glad you brought it up, koncrete!
imway2dumb---
here's a little write-up about milkweed that might give some background...It appears that some milkweeds can be invasive in certain parts of the country in certain habitats...
http://www.omniplex.org/html/milkweed_for_monarchs.html
some suggest there are ways of getting around that-- by planting specific varieties or planting in a container for instance...
and one writer suggested planting the milkweed or other butterfly host plants in a separate area of your property since it will support the catapillers which, of course, will eat the milkweed and it might look a little unsightly...
Thanks, t.
Thanks for the links tabasco! I'll check them out later. Wildlife forum?! I've been wondering where people were talking about birds!! lol I'll be coming over there too!!
Hey konkrete:
Today I saw my first real cat-looking cat on the Passiflora. About an inch and a quarter long -- bright orange -- with black spikes, full length. I remember someone posted a GF cat photo, but I've lost track of it.
Is mine a GF?
Yes, it's your GF cat. http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/491041/
John, I'm just assuming that milkweed could be invasive by the amount that I am having come up from seed. (some even in the grass) They are sure to have blown all over other places too. Haven't had time to read up on it tho.
So, flyboy--are you setting up a Monarch Waystation?
If you can attract GF, it seems like you could grow Monarchs...but I haven't checked the Butterfly links (above) to see if they are in your area...do you think they are?
Planted my more Milkweed today, btw...
Thanks. t.
tobasco's links say some can be invasive. Its a good read!
tabasco, I gotta tell you this...you don't "grow" Monarchs. ;) What kind of new milkweed did you plant? I almost bought some Ice Ballet last week, but I have so much of the Mexican milkweed that I don't know that I need any more. I do wish that I had bought the Cinderella one tho. I had a few started from seed this year but they didn't make it. Geez, I guess I ought to go throw that seed out now and I bet it would take care of itself! Good idea. :) I sure hope my Swamp Milkweed blooms this year!!!
I would die for white milkweed, Paige!
John
Somewhere we were discussing a get-together to just meet and relax. I think that was on the TX forum. If we do plan that I could try and get you one and bring it to you then.
I would like that! What happened to that discussion? Has anything been decided? I promise not to die!
So sorry about using the word 'grow', but I thought about it and couldn't think of any other way to say it!
My milkweed is from my sister and then also from seeds from Milkweed.com (I think) and I didn't catch the name...I planted it in a separate area as someone recommended, though. Hugahosta on the other forum said in Ohio to get m. 'tuberosum'--not so invasive here, I guess...
Now what do we do? Sit and wait for the Mama Monarchs to come?
Just harassing ya. :) I'm not sure if it's the same site, but I like www.milkweedfarm.com I've never ordered any, but like looking at the pictures and they have some good info.
Yep, all we can do is just wait. I'm apparantly on the path down to Mexico but not on their path back. I get mine really late in the season, which will be good tho because my plants will be big. I would think that you might get some eggs before me unless your plants aren't big enough yet. Do you have any mature plants? If they are already in your area you might want to invest in at least one. ??
Great, k., Thanks for the Milkweed Farm link. They have all the info anyone would need, I think.
And take a look at this Web Page--This is where you can report when you find a monarch in your area.
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch/index.html
And a Map of when you can expect Monarchs in your state. It looks like our timing is good for Ohio---Monarchs are arriving this week, I'm guessing.
And I also see from The Milkweed Farm http://www.milkweedfarm.com/catalog.asp that we 'REAR' Monarchs. Thanks for correcting me!
So far I have 'Tuberosa' and 'incarnata' milkweed and I believe 'common' milkweed has snuck in there, too. Some of it came up from last year, so we have a supply for right now...So we shall see who comes a-visiting...
Thanks for all the good info, k. Good luck everybody...t.