Meredith!

I haven't seen Monarchs here in north central Texas since the drought settled in. Milkweed, which is normally seen growing, also is scarce now with the drought. I would have thought, with the long taproot, it would have been more drought tolerant than it seems to be. Because of the lack of bloom, bees and butterflies of any kind aren't plentiful. The bird bath attracts bees as much as it does birds, but not butterflies. I'm growing the first Mandevilla I've ever tried and discovered it is a milk weed. Anyone know if Monarchs eat it?

I've heard that a major issue with milkweed stands in areas like Texas is the growing use of herbicide-resistant crops, which mean that stronger and more potent herbicides can be used on them, which means that a lot of other native plants and weeds--including milkweed--are destroyed in the process.

http://www.mlmp.org/results/fi...

I just think so much wildlife is going to go. People who are making the money couldn't care less. Once I used to think all people cared about the future and their children. Now I think most of the powerful care only about today, their personal comfort and their desires.

I have become increasingly disillusioned and cynical as well, Gleni.

I try to keep the faith in people but the scales are certainly tipped. I get so disheartened when people know that plants they purchase at certain places have been treated with neonicotinoids & will hurt or kill the pollinators yet they see a sale on their favorite plant & buy, buy, buy like giddy children & then broadcast to all & sundry that such & such place has a big sale on those plants.
Let's go kill some more pollinators, we don't care as long as we have pretty gardens to show off. Do they ever stop to think if it weren't for those very same pollinators, we wouldn't HAVE those plants?

I hear you! And the gardeners who still insist on using pesticides because 'I don't want anything munching on my plants'.

Yes. Sigh.

I'm not in a major crop growing area. More ranch/grazing than there are crops. I know on my property nor the adjoining pieces of land have not had regular use of herbicides applied. What the drought has been doing to the vegetation is very visible. River bottom trees like pecan are being decimated. Native grasses are staying dormant. On the other hand, Opuntia 'prickly pear' cactus and Mesquite trees take advantage of the decline of other types of vegetation. The increase in Opuntia in my county has been remarkable and very fast. Crop farming has been in decline here for several decades now and some of the abandoned fields are unrecognizable. The shift on what's managing to live and grow on my little piece of land is a visual thing, but I think it is primarily due to the extended period of lower rainfall. The decline in the amount of milkweed may not be caused by the drought, but I'm skeptical it would be caused by herbicide use in my location.

Well habitat loss is a major contributor regardless of its cause.

That is the truth, Catmint!

Donald, what do you mean a Mandevilla is a milkweed? Do you mean it has milky sap like a milkweed? Because they are two completely different species (genus, even). Monarchs won't eat mandevilla.

Yes, Mandevilla has milky sap. That surprised me. When I saw it I wondered if Monarchs might use it for food, but since they aren't around this year it wasn't tested. They don't eat spurge either....darn!

I think the caterpillars are milkweed (Asclepias) specific, but the adults feed on all sorts of flowers... (could be wrong here, but I'm sure someone will set me straight if so )

Oh yeah Sandy, you're right. Mandevilla is a popular plant here. They sell it at Lowe's and Home Depot. I've seen some butterflies on it, but the bees seem to like it more.

See my posting on "Be careful where you buy your plants". It's not the big box stores that are at fault; it's where the plants are coming from; flowering plants, bushes, trees; your herbs and veggie. They're all being sprayed. Since a friend lost a number of swallowtail cats because she bought extra parsley from one of the big box stores (and they all died); we are trying to be careful. I almost cringe when I see some butterflies in these stores, hovering over all the flowering plants. Those plants have been sprayed.

I would suggest you swap plants and seeds with fellow gardeners. At least you will have a healthier plant to start out with in your garden.
If you buy Milkweed (and yes, that's the host plant for the Monarch butterfly to lay her eggs on -- she will get her nectar from other As the plant regrows, this will help in getting rid of any of the sprays or systemics that are used. Geez, just think about it -- they spray our herbs and veggies with this stuff.

Yes, there is a massive decline in the Monarch butterfly population; you only have to google this to find out about them. Basically, what's happening is that the Milkweed (the host plant) they lay their eggs on has or is being destroyed on their migratory route. Not all the butterflies make this long, long journey; they lay their eggs on the way. This vast area is being sprayed (need I tell you who's doing this ?). The destruction is enormous. This is the canary in the coal mine !!!!
Farmers and gardeners, through the media, garden clubs, etc., are being asked to plant as much Milkweed as possible. So please try and do your part.

My local Lowes store has dozens of Milkweed in their nursery. They look gorgeous and healthy but I won't buy them. I prefer to swap with friends; collect my own seeds or grow cuttings in water (this can be done quite easily). As much as I can, I raise the Monarchs from the egg stage (just trying to do my bit and not on a large scale) in what is called a "castle". But these set ups are quite easy to do. Once the eggs become caterpillars (and they are very big eaters -- and only the milkweed will do) and finally emerge from the chrysalis; it's an amazing thing to watch and take the butterfly out on your finger and let it settle down on a flower plant for its first feed of nectar. My neighborhood children never cease to love watching this. I've even had a released Monarch, which flew around me for a while in the garden, come back and land on my finger again. Talk about an awe moment !

Elfie, I would be very interested in knowing how you root your milkweed seeds in water. Would you mind laying it out for us?
@orchidgal

I cut the stems about 8 inches, even a little longer, just below a nodule. Take off most of the leaves, even any flowers, leaving just a few leaves at the top. I root them in clear plastic cups, or cheap glass vase. Lots of light, no direct sun. Change water every few days. Eventually you will see roots forming by the nodule. When there's a decent root system, you can plant; keep them watered regularly until they are established. Don't forget to keep the seeds. I let the seeds of some of my plants just blow wherever. Then if it's not in the place I want, they're easy to transplant while small.
Hope this helps.