Three years ago our youngest son became interested in monarch butterflies thanks to his third grade teacher. Since then, he has become the monarch expert of our family. Did you know the Monarch is Illinois’ state insect?
The following Spring, he asked to add a butterfly garden to our back yard, and we happily obliged. Luckily we have a hay field on our property that just happens to sprout milkweed here or there. The garden was a little barren the first year, but he was able to spot a few monarch eggs on the leaves. We were then able to watch a real life version of Eric Carle’s Hungry Caterpillar book play out in our home (minus the cupcakes and lollypops.)
On his 9th birthday my husband made a butterfly house that provided more room to watch the amazing metamorphoses from caterpillar to butterfly.
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a beautiful butterfly— proverb
It brought me joy to watch my son care for the caterpillars, and the first release was bittersweet. But to experience more in life you must let go, and now there is only awe in my heart when a butterfly is released.
Our son‘s love for the monarchs, like his garden, has expanded over the years. We have added new plants to the garden, and the milkweed has taken over! And while our son used to be afraid of bees, he now wants to make them houses!
If you are interested in starting your own monarch garden I suggest planting milkweed in a self contained garden. If you know any local property owners, you could ask them if they have milkweed in their field and would allow you to dig 1-2 plants.
You can also stop by our farmers market booth for free seeds we packaged to share. We had a lot of laughs packaging them!
You can add additional native plants that will encourage pollinators. We have added tropical milkweed, black eyes susans, and catmint. Once your plants are established it will be an open invitation to the pollinators!
Not only is this a fun and beautiful addition to your home, but you will also be restoring native habitats.
According to the University of Illinois, 40% of insect species are at risk for extinction due to habitat loss. These insects are needed to fertilize flowering fruits and vegetables. For more information check out this article on their website at:
The University of Illinois has created an online brochure for additional information and plants to grow.
There is so much more to be said about the beautiful monarch, but maybe I will expand on them in another post!
In the meantime, I hope this inspires you to help bring back native habitats for our pollinator friends.
Comments