Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Balance of plants in the environment Could I convince you guys to plant Swamp Milkweed?

Here in southwest Colorado last year, we observed 5 individual Monarchs through the summer months on our property, where we have seen no others for the 13 years we've lived here. That, and reports from friends who own acreage with a medium sized orchard 25 miles form us, raised our hopes for a continuance of the western migration.

We've planted 3 species of milkweed on our ground. I check many of the plants during each growing season for caterpillars; I've never seen one yet. Maybe this year, right?

Thanks for the reminder that it's time to pull my seeds out of the freezer and put them in starter cells in the greenhouse.

Yay!

I'm really glad more of you are doing this.

For extra credit get in contact with local native nursery's and see what other pollinators need more plants around that you can spread on the property

ALso @4corners, if you have monarchs visiting milkweed you have had caterpillars, look closer

Unless wasps are eating the eggs I guess.

We (well the other half) registered as a Monarch waystation and ordered caterpillars. We have lots of field milkweed but no swamp milkweed. I'm looking to improve habitat at low cost and any tax credits along the way. I'd love to do a few acres of wildflowers but not ready to spend the $$$$ on seeds.

Does PA have any state dollars available for that?

I am amazed at some of the oddly specific programs that can be found in the Kansas agency websites.

Our Forest Service also used to have a Butterfly Bundle. It was very well designed to include bushes and wildflowers that would provide blooms throughout the entire season for the main native species of butterflies. I thought it was a brilliant idea, because the included plants bloomed sequentially.

With some research, you (or your wife) might be able to devise your own version applicable to your region.

I have not looked into much beyond "clean and green" for tax breaks. Any sort of tax break or free/discounted seeds and I'd be happy to implement. I have about 20 acres that I will mow annually and another 15 I mow as grass. I could put that to better use.