Springtime is one of my favorite times of the year. Of course, here on the coastal bend of Texas, we have a much milder winter than other parts of the country, so sometimes the transformation is not quite as dramtic as the northern areas of the country. Nonetheless, it is still beautiful and breathtaking.
I took a few pictures this morning in my yard to share with you. I hope I get to take a pic of a Monarch passing through. I'll keep my camera nearby.
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| Sand Milkweed growing in my front yard. It returns every year. |
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| Blue Vine Milkweed growing on my Lantana bush. Lantana is a favorite nectar flower of Monarch butterflies. |
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| Blue Vine Milkweed growing on my chain link fence. I'm encouraging it's growth. |
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| Milkweed bug. They eat up Milkweed that the Monarchs need. I usually remove them. |
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| Blue Vine Milkweed growning on the ground. That doesn't work out too well when it comes time to mow the grass. |
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| Blue Vine Milkweed growing near my children's slide |
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| Wildflowers in our yard. They're just coming out. |
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| More wildflowers. I love the diversity. |
This year, my goal is to encourage Milkweed to grow in my yard. This will help the Monarch on its annual migratory route. Check with your local nurseries. Ask them to carry Milkweed. Buy some and plant it in your yard. It's pretty hardy. Here locally, I've found some nice plants every year at Turner's Nursery in Corpus Christy.
I tried to transplant some Blue Vine milkweed to other places in my yard, but it didn't turn out so well. It's strange - on it's own, it can spread just fine. But, if I try to help it along, it doesn't respond well. So, I'll just water and let it do its thing.
Happy Monarching!
Caleb & Janae Warren
savethemonarch1@gmail.com
