The first Monarch butterfly showed up today. I planted more asclepias incarnata (milkweed) for them yesterday as I had lost quite a few plants during our cold, wet winter. I added the extras just in time! The milkweed serves as a host plant for the Monarch caterpillars. Favorite nectar plants include verbena, buddleia and agastache.
Our garden is a certified Monarch Waystation. For more information about requirements for certification, please visit the website of Monarch Watch.
Story and photos by Freda Cameron; Location: home garden; June 6, 2009