Finally, a Monarch butterfly arrived in my garden on July 3, 2010! There are many milkweed (asclepias) plants in my garden (a certified Monarch Waystation), waiting to host the Monarch caterpillars.
I followed this Monarch around the garden as she visited her favorite nectar plants that are currently in bloom:
butterfly bush (buddleia)
stick verbena (verbena bonariensis)
coneflower (echinacea purpurea)
joe pye weed (eupatorium dubium)
ironweed (vernonia fasciculata)
blazing star (liatris ligulistylus)
hummingbird mint (agastache)
cosmos
zinnia
For more information about the fascinating Monarch butterflies, visit Journey North for details on the 2010 migration and Monarch Watch to learn about how you can have your garden certified as a Monarch Waystation, too.
| Words and photos by Freda Cameron, Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel. Deer and rabbit resistance varies based upon the animal population and availability of food. All company or product or patented names mentioned are registered trademarks, copyrights, or patents owned by those respective companies or persons. |