Chapter 1: Embracing My Green Obsession

There's something about plants that captivates me—especially milkweeds! It's become clear that I have a passion for butterflies! Recently, I’ve noticed a curious trend in my life: I often transition from complete ignorance about a topic to wanting to master it in just a week! Such boldness! Such determination! But is it arrogance?

When I’m not busy with gardening, I dream of guiding kayakers down the Delaware and Lehigh rivers—an undertaking that requires skill and training due to its inherent risks. In contrast, gardening feels relatively safe—unless we consider the well-being of the magnificent monarch butterflies. In this interconnected ecosystem, the absence of bees leads to a lack of pollinated foods, which in turn impacts monarch populations. You've heard of "Colors of the Wind," right? A beautiful melody from a not-so-great film!

"Every rock and tree and creature has a spirit, has a name." - Monarch butterflies in the garden by Lanis Rossi. Used with permission. At first, the milkweed blooms before its white seeds appear. Still, no caterpillars in sight.

Weeks pass, and the milkweed pods are fully formed. The echinacea blooms alongside a vibrant dwarf crepe myrtle and the charming bee balm.

Hot Summers and Monarch Dreams

A few years ago, I became completely enchanted with this milkweed phenomenon. I vividly recall a trip to Cape May, New Jersey, where I witnessed countless monarchs congregating, preparing for their long migration to Mexico. It’s fascinating—many struggle with a simple road trip, yet these delicate creatures embark on an epic journey. Talk about perspective!

Back then, I lacked true gardening expertise—more like a “Master Bonehead” than a “Master Gardener.” My gardening attempts were more harmful than helpful. But now, I’ve expanded my knowledge and my plant collection, even relocating some to my vacation spot in the Poconos.

A swallowtail butterfly relishes the pollen from a dwarf butterfly bush, which, I recently learned, is not native to the United States.

Monarchs: The Ephemeral Rulers of the Garden

I’ve taken to propagating and dividing plants—what a joy! I’ve particularly enjoyed growing various milkweed species, and I’m eager to share my knowledge on their importance. Take the butterfly bush, for instance—while it’s pretty and popular, it's not a native plant and does little to support caterpillars. There are far better native alternatives that provide for both pollinators and caterpillars without overwhelming the garden.

This summer has brought record heat, and I’ve spent hours outdoors, tending to my milkweed and admiring its growth. My wife grew up in the lush landscapes of Northeast Pennsylvania, while I’m situated in southern New Jersey, where I’m still on the lookout for monarchs. I fondly remember my first attempts at growing milkweed—it felt as if I was planting alien pods straight from a sci-fi film.

No "heathen, godless, red Commies" have emerged from these pods yet! (I may have watched too many 1950s sci-fi movies.) However, some might fear that these monarchs could lead to a tyrant—Greek for king.

Rooting for Growth

I diligently collected and dried seeds, believing I was doing everything correctly, but my initial attempts were disappointing. Fortunately, I found a nursery that offered the right milkweed, and that single plant has now flourished into about thirty over three seasons.

Once these plants establish themselves, they thrive. They propagate through vines and seeds, similar to my Joe Pye weed. I carefully move the seedlings into containers filled with rich compost—voilà! More plants! Gardening is incredible—spend $20 on a single plant, and you could cultivate a thriving garden that becomes the envy of your neighborhood. You can even share them at plant exchanges or Earth Day events—it’s all beneficial.

Native Milkweeds: A Vital Resource for Pollinators

The unique milkweed pods may not be visually appealing, but as Shakespeare might say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A Cascade hop vine finds support from the common milkweed, and I find joy in my hoppy brews.

Asclepias Syriaca (Common Milkweed)

While it may not win any beauty contests, this variety is essential for sustaining monarchs. Imagine a world devoid of such a miracle. Once established, it's virtually maintenance-free, although it may take some time to grow from seed. It thrives in full sun, and I’ve had success transplanting cut rhizomes in early spring. Once one plant takes root, nature takes over. It might be a challenge to keep the milkweed contained, but that growth could mean more homes for the sacred monarch.

I just went outside to stake a few plants, which have been growing tall in the heat and are in dire need of water. When the larvae arrive, I’ll celebrate their arrival with great enthusiasm!

Asclepias Tuberosa

This striking orange variety delights both my eyes and the pollinators. While it lacks the milky sap, it is cherished in my garden for its vibrant clusters of bright-orange flowers. The deciduous azalea, known for its fiery blooms, also thrives in my garden, and thankfully, it remains safe from my friendly deer.

This species is shorter and bushier compared to its milkweed relatives. Asclepias, a genus of perennial flowering plants commonly called milkweeds, derives its name from the milky latex it produces, which contains toxic compounds. This latex renders most milkweed species toxic to humans and animals.

Like many milkweeds, this variety needs support to stay upright. In nature, plants and pollinators coexist without intervention, but in a garden, structure is key. It craves sunlight—much like this gardener. Unlike other milkweeds, it prefers drier soil and is drought-resistant, a fact I discovered after returning from a week away during a heatwave. It thrived so well that I had to stake it as it encroached on the lawn.

Fortunately, I haven't encountered any aphids yet, but if they arrive, I can use soapy water or ladybugs to manage them. Perhaps I’ll even play some calming Nickelback tunes—just softly enough not to disturb the nighttime creatures or my neighbors.

Eutrochium Purpureum (Joe Pye Weed)

Joe Pye weed, a tall and attractive perennial, attracts butterflies, including migrating monarchs. Growing up to 7 feet, this plant can be quite impressive. Known scientifically as Eutrochium purpureum, it's native to eastern and central North America and is appreciated for its resilience and late-season nectar.

I consistently need to stake these tall beauties, as they require ample water to flourish. They can tolerate partial shade but need plenty of sun to thrive. I often look for fallen seeds around mature plants, which I dig up and transplant, helping to spread their beauty and sustain the planet.

Asclepias Incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)

With so many thriving plants in my sun-drenched garden, I also cultivate swamp milkweed. This variety prefers moist soil and will wilt in drought conditions but will rebound with adequate watering. This plant can bloom twice in a season, typically in late summer and early fall.

There are white variants of this usually light pink and purple plant, and I’ll be sure to snatch one up when I find it for sale. While they grow in the wild, I believe in letting nature remain untouched.

Buddleia Davidii (Butterfly Bush)

Patience is key when trying to attract monarchs, as they flit and flutter on gentle breezes. The butterfly bush, also known as summer lilac, is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. However, it's not native to the U.S. and, while it attracts pollinators, it does not support caterpillars.

Despite its allure, the butterfly bush is not the best choice for fostering butterflies throughout their life cycles. Other colorful plants provide better benefits for butterflies at every stage of their lives. "Commonly known as snowy milkweed or aquatic milkweed, that is a great alternative."

If you cultivate it, they will come! Witnessing pollinators on plants you’ve nurtured brings immense joy.

Thanks for reading! For more from Walter Bowne on environmental topics, check out:

In this heartfelt video titled "Confession: My Addiction," the creator shares a personal journey of finding solace and purpose through gardening and butterfly conservation.

The video "Butterfly Addiction" showcases the beauty and significance of butterflies in our ecosystems, highlighting the importance of native plants like milkweed in supporting their life cycles.