Congratulations! It really sounds like things are hopping with the Monarch population in the Southwesterly part of the states. I hope that means it will be a good year for all of us. I'm so encouraged by all the attention directed at pollinators all around the country (and world). I even just heard an advertisement for Mother's Day flower baskets designed with herbs and other popular nectar plants. I wish the growers would stop using pesticides, but we'll get there some day. Keep up the good work.

Martha

Hi Martha,

Yes, this is the most spring activity I've ever seen here in all the years I've been growing plants for the butterflies. I know the eggs left some three weeks back were by Mexico Monarchs, as I watched them leave their eggs. Poor little things, they were in such poor condition. Now some of their offspring have survived to continue this miracle of nature.

Now I seem to be getting visited frequently by another round of Monarchs. Can hardly imagine how in the world they managed to lay eggs through all the terrible storms we've had recently but they managed somehow! Now I'm releasing the first group and carrying in the second group of babies. I keep saying I'm going to leave them on the plants but I see the tiny little things and knowing their fate, I can't leave them to the wasps and spiders. The wasps actually patrol the plants, even searching under the leaves. I know they have to eat too, but I don't want them taking the tiny cats There's plenty of other areas around here where they can hunt.

Congrats to you for locating a garden area where you can enjoy gardening. What a wonderful idea to allow gardening on the hospital grounds and what fun for you. Please keep us updated on the progress of your new gardens.

Mary

Thanks, Mary. I will.

Martha