Tag Archives: monarch chrysalis

On the lookout

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With the sun shining and temperatures warm, I decided to do some maintenance in the garden. My scorpion tail bush has grown out of control, into the sidewalk, as well as popping up in the most random places, so I decided to do a little trimming.

With my 7 year olds watchful eye, she noticed 4 monarch chrysalis attached to branches I had cut off. I always wonder where the caterpillars disappear, as their chrysalis are not always in plain sight. These four really crawled deep into the vegetation to make their chrysalis. They are now in our butterfly house, so they can emerge safely.

Everywhere

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It’s been amazing to see the amount of monarch caterpillars in the gardens. Even more amazing are the chrysalis that are popping up in and around the garden. Some caterpillars have crawled a good distance to make a chrysalis on my garage doors, to the side of the house, and of course on posts in the garden.

Another chrysalis

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When I took a peak into the butterfly house this morning, one of the monarch caterpillars had already begun its chrysalis. This never gets old! I absolutely love the “dance” at the end. I did not have my camera handy, just the phone this time, but another capture of the magnificent transformation, nonetheless.

First of the New Year

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We had our first of 2023 monarch butterfly emerge yesterday in our butterfly house. This beautiful male was eager to fly away, making it No. 350 that we have successfully reached since we began this journey.

The great thing is the garden is very active, as well as the butterfly house with many chrysalis and caterpillars.

It is incredibly rewarding to witness the life cycle of the butterfly. The nest part is sharing that passion with not only my daughter, but iur fsmily and friends too.

I am excited to share that 2023 is bringing a new vision for me, one that includes growing many host and nectar plants from seed. I am having huge success with zinnia and dill so far.

Surpassed 300

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I am happy to say, as of today, we have successfully raised and released more than 300 (303) monarch butterflies. It has been an interesting journey learning about this species up close and personal. It’s truly amazing what obstacles they are faced with as soon as an egg is laid.

The female monarch butterflies have been busy laying eggs in the garden, as my giant milkweed, which I have been growing for more than two years, is now all stems. Once taller than me, is now trimmed back encouraging new growth again. It’s truly amazing now much eating a monarch caterpillar can do.

With my milkweed pretty much non existent at the moment, my good friend took some caterpillars to her garden, so they can finish eating.

Every time my daughter and I go out into the gardens we spot a new chrysalis, some in very hidden places, while others in odd places. It’s fun to see how far they travel and what they use to create their silk mat on outdoors.