Pollinating my coneflowers … The butterflies LOVE this plant too! I wish I could plant a million more! So pretty.

Years ago, a friend of mine told me her mother-in-law planted milkweed in her backyard for monarch butterflies. I did a little research and realized milkweed is the host plant for monarchs and we need to plant more so more monarchs can be born! 🙂 I quickly ordered seeds and planted them in pots outside then when they were big enough, I moved them to the flower bed by my mailbox. This year I saw this beautiful male monarch and luckily had my phone with me to get a picture.

In the summer, I raise painted ladies from caterpillars. It’s awesome to be able to watch them turn from a caterpillar to a chrysalis to a butterfly then set them free. Next I would like to raise monarchs..hopefully next spring!

Then I saw this painted lady at work and wondered if it could be one I raised 🙂