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 !
