Of Milkweeds and Monarchs

Thanks to Lucas Miller’s previous post about milkweeds, we’ve had two young children very excited about spring in our house. My kids were fascinated with the idea of providing sustenance for monarch butterflies and sanctuary for their babies so, ever since we read the article, they have been asking when it would be warm enough to add milkweeds to our yard. We decided spring break would be the perfect time to do so and the countdown began.

Then, days before spring break began, the flu hit. Both girls got sick but with different strains, which allowed us to experience the full glory not once, but twice as germs were swapped. I am now ever more thankful that we own a washing machine.

By the tail end of spring break, everyone was finally feeling better. After a day of waiting to ensure no relapses would occur, we headed to the nursery. With their bright orange and yellow flowers and pointed leaves, the milkweeds were easy to identify among all the other plants. We had looked at some pictures online first, mostly because I wanted to spare the other gardeners a long search by two tired girls and their exhausted mom. Looking at the pictures definitely helped – the girls spotted the plants first.

We were excited to find Asclepias curassavica or Tropical Milkweed, a favorite of monarchs. We each took a pot and checked out. Both girls were clearly wiped out by the short trip and fell asleep in the car.

Since the trip wore everyone out, we did not plant them that day but left them in their pots for several days. A little water and they were fine. It was a bit cool during this time so we didn’t see many butterflies. I was beginning to wonder how long it would take for word of the milkweed to get out in the butterfly community when a warmer day arrived. And, just like that, the plants were swarmed with monarchs.

I could see the plants from my computer and, in one 20 minute period, four different monarchs appeared. I know this sounds anthropomorphic but in each case the butterfly flew up to the plant and appeared to get excited as it got close. The wings would flap faster and faster and the butterfly would almost dance in the air as it approached the milkweeds. Then the butterfly would light on a plant, sip some nectar, and appear to take a deep breath. It was really incredible to watch.

That afternoon we checked the plants and there were already 3 eggs! Now we are watching them (not very) patiently and waiting to see the caterpillars. It is giving us lots to talk and read about, as well as an appreciation for how much is happening in the world right around us.

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