So, several months back, I applied for a grant from monarchwatch.org. They are an organization that promotes conservation geared towards perpetuating the natural habitats of monarch butterflies. If you have 2 acres or more to devote to the project, you can apply for free milkweed plants! My application was approved and I received 4 flats containing 164 total plants!
Species | Number |
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed) | 50 |
Asclepias syriaca (Common milkweed) | 32 |
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly weed) | 32 |
Asclepias verticillata (Whorled milkweed) | 50 |
The plants arrived on May 9, and I let them harden off for a week – 10 days before I planted any.
As of today, I have all of the incarnate in the ground, and several of the tuberose and verticillate planted as well. I plan on documenting the progress of the project here as the season goes on. Watch for photos and updates!