Native Gardening

[mrsclem]

Wow, that's crazy! We have a ton of milkweed that grows along side the roads here and no spraying is done so I have access. Its a lot of work but it gives me something to do and we are looking forward to releasing possibly 200 monarchs this year. Just got my cage for black swallowtails. They will winter over in our shed and hatch in spring. Lots of wild carrot plants available.

 

[addy1]

Wow fantastic! I have only seen one here this year. One cat.

 

[Marck]

Wow fantastic! I have only seen one here this year. One cat.

I don't mean to be an alarmist, but Monarchs do appear to be in decline. The western population that winters on the California coast has become shockingly rare. The eastern population was 9 or 10 times larger (probably more now) and winters in Mexico, but there is mounting evidence that they are declining as well.

 

[mrsclem]

That's why I started my butterfly garden several years ago. Been gathering the eggs and raising them last few years

 

[Marck]

I always thought it would be excellent if a talented jeweler could make a Monarch chrysalis pendant from gold and jade.

 

[HARO]

You mean like this?

John

 

[Marck]

That's amazing, Haro. My vision made flesh... well, somebody else's vision, similar to my vision, made flesh.
It's really a beautiful piece. Who did make it?

 

[HARO]

I just googled "Monarch chrysalis jewelry". Some interesting items there!
John

 

[Marck]

I just googled "Monarch chrysalis jewelry". Some interesting items there!
John

Well there you go, it's already a whole cottage industry. Clearly, I think about designing jewelry far more often than I ever wear or shop for it. How funny.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I guess I forgot to post my mating monarchs photo yesterday.

I also saw a green darner.

Today I photographed a swamp milkweed leaf beetle

 

[Marck]

I guess I forgot to post my mating monarchs photo yesterday.
View attachment 142104

I also saw a green darner.
View attachment 142101

Today I photographed a swamp milkweed leaf beetle
View attachment 142102

View attachment 142103

Really excellent insect photography, JB.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

Really excellent insect photography, JB.

Thanks!

 

[JBtheExplorer]

Aster season is peaking. Most everything else is done blooming for the year. Always a bit sad when the pollinator activity dies down.

 

[j.w]

Beautiful blooms @JBtheExplorer

 

[mrsclem]

Beautiful! I need to remember to cut mine back mid-season next year. Mine got too tall and were all over the ground this year.