Do you love to be surprised?
Are you in the habit of going to live events?
Are you richer for the experiences?
I love attending, and I miss a majority of happenings, because they’re constant, and because I’m home working, in silence, reading, writing, cleaning, cooking, musing…
I find a zillion reasons not to rally to presentations.
But when the library newsletter came a few weeks ago, I noticed there would be a Monarch Butterfly presentation August 20th, so I put it on my calendar.
I’ve loved these radiant beings for a very long time, and one of my friends wholly supports them in myriad ways; in fact, she was listed in the program.
I figured I’d see my friend and learn a little along the way.
Whoa.
Was I ever wrong!
I did see my friend, which was sweet.
The other thing that happened, though, caught me by surprise.
I fell deeper in love with the natural world and the roles we can play.
Ina Warren, shoulders wrapped in a Monarch scarf, gave a rich and wonderful slide show of gorgeous photos and facts about Monarchs to educate and inspire us.
Ina, I’m inspired!
And after all these years hearing your name, I treasure this glimpse of you and your passion for Monarchs.
I came home with renewed compassion and appreciation for all the flowers Ben cultivates in our gardens. Not only are they beautiful blooming
, but we’re providing nourishment for butterflies, birds, and insects, a constant buffet for all who visit.
Monarchs need lots of sustenance in their flower feeding phase, building up strength before making the long trip to Mexico.
We can plant zinnias, coneflowers, butterfly bushes, and more.
And MILKWEED.
Did you know that MILKWEED is key to their life cycle?
Did you know that MILKWEED is the ONLY plant Monarchs lay their eggs upon?
And that Monarch eggs live on MILKWEED through their larvae and caterpillar stages?
Our role supporting nature is minimal and pivotal.
We can plant MILKWEED!!!
Planting flowers and MILKWEED, we are doing a little bit more to enhance the circle of life.
Amen.
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Joy,
Lovely article.
I have been growing milkweed in my garden for a decade now. This year, one got away from me, and took root on the side of our yard, where John affectionately, and rather possessively , calls it HIS territory.
Well, within a few weeks it had grown Seymore -sized, (from the plant in Little Shop of Horrors. )I of course wanted to save it, as it would be heaven to the butterflies. But alas, the grass monitor chopped it down.
The butterflies and I are still mourning our loss.
Hi Wendi,
Thank you so much for your comment and tale of such long-time dedication to growing Milkweed for butterflies. Nice job!
I’m sorry one of your plants found its way to John’s territory, where it became a victim.
Bless your grieving journey and that of your butterflies.
Love,
Joy
Dear Joy,
Thanks for the article, Joy, posted the day before my birthday! Today I read that a Monarch Butterfly tagging event is taking place in a local park tomorrow. 🙂
My appreciation for these creatures began years ago when my son caught and tagged a Monarch which was recovered months later in Mexico – thousands of miles away! I was awakened to the amazing journey of these beautiful beings. I also learned that the butterfly is a symbol of rebirth and/or new life, particularly in the Christian community.
But… did you know that each generation of Monarchs travels the opposite direction as their parent?
According to Peterson’s Guide:
“Monarchs migrate hundreds or thousands of miles south for the winter. Some roost in Florida or California, but tens of millions of monarchs overwinter in a mountain forest in central Mexico. In the spring, the Monarchs start back north, laying eggs along the way. The butterflies produced from these eggs continue north. They reach the northernmost fields where milkweeds grow in time to lay the eggs that will become the next generation, which will migrate south in the fall.”
It’s all part of the wonderful circle of life!
Dear Laura,
It appears I missed replying to your lovely comment, which I’m seeing again today.
Happy Belated birthday!!
Thank you so much for sharing how you became interested in Monarchs. I think they’re
amazing, too, and I love their dedication and beauty.
We’ve planted milkweed!
Much love,
Joy