My Butterflies are Missing!

  Normally, September and October are the months when the yard is filled with butterflies of all sorts.  Of those that visit, the Monarchs have all ways been the most prevalent.  They would come in swarms as they migrated.  There were times a few years back, when the Asclepias and Ageratum were simply covered with the orange and black butterflies.  For the past two years, however, the sightings have been sparse, to say the least.  I miss the butterflies.

  I was reading the other day how the plight of "missing" butterflies was not just a local thing.  It seems that the Monarch population is on a sharp decline in this country.  Part of that is due to weather changes but a good bit is due to the loss of habitat.  One of the main sources of food for these butterflies is the milkweed plant and, as the name implies, most folks see this as a weed.  The plants are promptly destroyed to keep those "well manicured" lawns and gardens in shape.  No one wants a weed in their garden.  This is a shame.  Sorry, folks, those things you deem as nasty weeds are actually wildflowers and should be left to grow where they will.  Here on the Bayou, I leave as many as possible.  Yes, I do cut the grass but wildflowers are welcome to grow in the flower gardens and vegetable gardens because I know the importance of having native plants.  The native flora helps the native fauna survive.  Cut out one of the two and both are soon decimated.

  The milkweed plant is of the Asclepias genus.  These plants grow readily in just about any type soil.  (I have one that grows in sand!) These plants require little to no work so can be a lazy gardeners dream plant!  Mine is dubbed "Butterfly Weed" and it truly seems to attract the Monarchs.  This type Asclepias has orange, red and yellow clusters of blooms and looks quite striking when mingled with the purples of the Wild Ageratum and the towering fluffs of Goldenrod!  My wild gardens are never boring but they sure miss the butterflies!