Can you believe it is almost Christmas? We have already passed the shortest day of the year, and up until the snow in the last weeks we have been so blessed with the weather!
I have been reading about monarch butterflies. One site, www.monarchbutterflygarden.net says that “The monarch population overwintering in Mexico has plummeted over 90% in the last 20 years largely due to pesticides, extreme weather, and habitat loss.” Another article said that just a few years ago there were more than fifty million monarchs, and now less than two million make it back to Mexico. Groups are trying to secure pesticide-free zones so that the monarchs can eat safely on their travels, but it seems like an uphill struggle.
It’s heartbreaking that something so beautiful should be put in such jeopardy, so how can we help? I know many of you choose plants that will attract butterflies to your gardens; I found a list of plants we can include in our gardens that will benefit the monarchs, as well as other butterflies, bees and moths. Here it is.
First and foremost is the milkweed. Monarch butterfly caterpillars will eat only milkweed, which is why the female monarchs lay their eggs only on milkweed. I was surprised to learn that there are at least thirty varieties of milkweed. I checked in the T & T seed catalogue and they have milkweed seeds. The plant sounds lovely on its own merit: bushy with clusters of bright orange flowers and a non-invasive growing habit. The fact that it attracts butterflies is the icing on the cake! So that’s the number one plant on our butterfly list.
Number two is chives; good for the butterflies, good for us, too! Butterflies love those purple flower heads. I also read that garlic chives (with the white blooms) are also a favorite, so we can include both of those in our list.
Next is a plant that was new to me, the Siberian Wallflower (Erysimum x marshallii). This plant has bright and beautiful orange flowers and a lovely scent that will attract monarchs, other butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Also listed was a salvia called “May Night Salvia” that looked very similar to the lovely dark blue salvia.
Other choices include goldenrod; purple coneflower; orange cosmos “Cosmic Beauty”; lantana; zinnias; and pearly everlasting. Many of these plants are suitable for container gardening, so there is something for everyone!
Let’s make a new year’s resolution right now that we will try to plant at least one of these plants to help the butterflies. We know that nature works in harmony with every component, and when one species struggles, all balance is thrown off and affects other parts of nature. If we can help with harmony, let’s do so!
If you are generously looking for a way to help others this holiday season, you can choose gardening gifts from groups like World Vision or Care. In the latest “The Gardener” magazine, I saw an article where you can buy items like three fruit trees, agricultural packs for three families, or moringa trees for a family. These ethical gifts will help people in other parts of the world, and purchasing them in honor of a family member or friend will be giving a gift that truly makes a difference.
On behalf of Keith and myself, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and every blessing of the holiday season! Have a wonderful week!
