Missouri, known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, serves as a haven for various plant and animal species. Among its treasures are the native milkweed plants, essential for the survival of the iconic monarch butterflies. Milkweed is a favorite nectar plant for all sorts of pollinators, and the only host plant for the monarch …
Butterflies
Our family has been raising monarch butterflies in Missouri for the past several summers. I’m going to share all about how to raise monarch butterflies and what you need to know to get started. A few years ago my mom was picking wildflowers for my sister’s wedding in a ditch on the side of road …
Milkweed is not just another plant in the garden; it’s a lifeline for the iconic monarch butterfly and other pollinators. As the primary food source for monarch caterpillars, milkweed plays a crucial role in supporting the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, due to various factors, such as habitat loss and pesticide use, milkweed populations have …
Winter may seem like an unlikely time to start your gardening endeavors, but for those interested in propagating native plants, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the practice of winter sowing. Winter sowing is a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method of growing native plants. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of winter …
Creating a butterfly garden isn’t just about adding vibrant colors; it’s about creating a space that supports the entire life cycle of butterflies and other pollinators. One of the key elements in attracting and sustaining butterflies is providing a diverse array of nectar-rich plants. In this guide, we’ll explore 50 native nectar plants to add …
This DIY butterfly wreath is a quick and easy project and a great way to welcome spring or celebrate summer, or just display your love of butterflies and pollinators all year long! If you’re looking for a new way to decorate your front door this year, consider this idea for one of your spring wreaths. …
Creating a butterfly garden is a great way to invite nature into your backyard. While nectar plants and showy flowers are often the stars of butterfly gardens, herbs play a crucial role in attracting and nourishing butterflies and other pollinators. Learn how herbs can be a beneficial addition to your butterfly garden. Butterflies and Their …
In the world of gardening and wildlife conservation, the terms “butterfly weed” and “milkweed” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among gardeners. However, these two plants, while related, are different. To better understand their unique characteristics and benefits, let’s delve into the differences between butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and milkweed (Asclepias spp.). When people …
Milkweed plants are not just another pretty flower in your garden; they play a crucial role in supporting the declining monarch butterfly population. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed as a host plant for their larvae. To help these support monarch populations, it’s important to harvest milkweed seeds so you can grow more milkweed in your …
Queen butterflies are one of the most common butterflies, but are commonly mistaken for monarch butterflies, especially as caterpillars! Raising queen butterflies is almost identical to raising monarchs, you just need to learn to identify the differences to know what you’ve got! The difference between queen caterpillars and monarch caterpillars Monarchs and queen caterpillars look …