This has been a bad year for Monarchs. They have been officially declared as “endangered“. I have seen the numbers dwindle. So far, I have only had one successful butterfly eclose. I was feeling disheartened about the decline in population. However, today was a day full of joy and hope. I spotted a small caterpillarContinue reading “A New Hope”
Tag Archives: milkweed
First Monarch Eclose
On July 30th, I found this nice large caterpillar on our milkweed. By August 3rd, the caterpillar formed her chrysalis. Amazingly, on August 10th, I was greeted by the flutter of wings! So quick! We took the butterfly outside, but she was not ready to fly. On the following day, she was eager to beContinue reading “First Monarch Eclose”
First Monarch Caterpillars of 2022
July 23rd – first Monarch caterpillar of the year! It is always exciting to find one of these elusive beauties, but the first one is something special . I handed this treasure over to my 9 year old next door neighbor. I provided her with a mesh enclosure and lots of direction. She participated inContinue reading “First Monarch Caterpillars of 2022”
Rejoice!
All at once, the milkweed have bloomed. The air is redolent with their heady perfume. My Hellstrip plantings seem to facilitate conversation about milkweed. I have had many great chats with the people who have stopped to both admire and ask questions about the growth. In my mind, Milkweed is a vital part of theContinue reading “Rejoice!”
Early June on the Hellstrip
Two Large, Three Small, One Hatchling, Five Chrysalids
Exciting changes in the Monarch enclosure! Yesterday, I woke up to three new chrysalids. One was hidden in a precarious place. It was attached to a wilting milkweed stalk. Thanks to the advice of two of my friends, I was able to remove the branch and sew it to the top of the mesh enclosure.Continue reading “Two Large, Three Small, One Hatchling, Five Chrysalids”
Hellstrip Heaven 