Where Have All The Monarchs Gone ?

For a time, it was thought that deforestation in the Mexican wood where Monarch Butterflies overwinter,  was the cause, but recent study indicates a cause closer to home.  We may be the real culprits!

A decline of 59% was noted at one Mexican preserve this winter.  This has been the rule, not the exception. in the last few years.  It has caused scientists to worry.  If we don’t act soon, we may see no more Monarchs.  

This article from the National Geographic details the problem and some solutions: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130318-monarch-butterflies-animals-science-environment-nation/#

Loss of habitat and pesticides we can do something about.  It will take a international push to address climate change.  

So what can a North Shore Long Islander do ?   Start by devoting some space in your gardens to the plants that Monarchs like.  Milkweed, is the one, the Only, plant that Monarchs will reproduce on.  It is suggested that at least two types of milkweed: the white ‘weedy’ one, and a lovely pink variety, Swamp Milkweed be used.  Organizations such as Wildones.org have information on landscaping with native plants.  They are an excellent resource. They have even launched a a Native Plant Butterfly Garden Recognition Program.

But I am putting the butterfly before the pupea.  First, locate a spot in your yard that gets approximately 6 hours of sunlight. You can simply add native plants to an existing garden like I did.  Or you can replace a small patch of lawn with a clean planting bed.  Either way, you are going to have to get rid of aggressive, non-native plants that compete with soil nutrients.  More on ridding your yard of “invasives” in future columns.

You will want to select plants that match the PH, moisture and light conditions of your plot.  Nothing deflates gardening enthusiasm like “fail.”  Most likely you will have slightly acidic soil (if your azaleas and rhodies grow well, you have acidic soil).  

Next up is obtaining the plants you want.  This can be a little bit difficult.  Milkweeds are just not the sort of plants many Nurseries will carry.  I hope this changes in the future. 

In fact, I “imported” my Swamp Milkweed from out of state.  Shhh!  I did what had to be done. At least it wasn’t English Ivy. 

I have seen Milkweed sold at local plant sales, especially if Garden clubs are involved.
Also, the Long Island Native Plant Initiative in Riverhead has a sale of plants grown from exclusively Long Island parents (geoplasm). Here is the link:  http://www.linpi.org/plant-sale/  If you know of a source for Milkweed, please leave a comment on this blog.

In future, I hope to do a survey of local nurseries to see what kinds of Native Plants they 

sell.  Stay tuned for that.  I did try and grow some milkweed from seed this year, but what with Sandy and all, my success rate was, not mentionable.  

OK, so you have your spot.  You have your Milkweed for a Monarch Nursery. (Please, if you see caterpillars Eating your Milkweed, this is a good thing.)  Also, a plea, if you use a service to spray your trees, find out what pesticides they are using, and perhaps, consider the alternative.  I was sprayed in my yard on a windy day last year by mistake and my skin turned blue.  You do not want your children and pets to get near this stuff.

Spraying it disperses it in the air, and No Fence can stop it from coming into your yard. 

Next I want you to think about plants that bloom through September, when the Mighty Monarchs begin their migration South.  We are talking high energy pollen food for these travelers.  I use Monarda, Fleabane, New England Asters, and Rudbeckia here. (which is a Monarch Watch Registered garden).  Anyone who needs fleabane, well email me.  It may not be the most prized plant in your yard, but it works hard for pollinators of all sorts.

So, plant your butterfly friendly perennials.  See to it that some water is available And then, add a small dish of wet sand for the butterflies to bask on.. (technical term is butterfly puddling spot: http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/2011/04/14/butterflypuddlingspot/

Now, watch and wait.  It is fun to take a before and after picture.  I only have After.
Before was essentially a thorny Berberis, I am sure you can picture that pain.

Next week, more on other Butterflies, plus a round-up of what readers suggested.

And perhaps even a give-away ...