Monday, August 06, 2007

Monarch

When I planted the zinnia seeds
I planted in four different locations.


I thought about our prevailing summer winds.
Most of our wind comes from the southwest.
I planted on the north side of my house and the east side.

I planted another bed with zinnias that is somewhat protected by a tree.
I did plant a few on the south side.
This way I have nectar regardless of wind.
The southwest, hot, dry, wind blew all day.
The Monarchs could easily find food.
They did not have to use up energy fighting the wind.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

For sure my favorite butterfly!

Q said...

Hi Mon@rch,
I do think of you now whenever I see the Monarchs. We have a few that stay near.
I hope to see more soon as the migration begins.
Sherry

Sheila said...

You are such a gracious hostess to consider your guests in this way..!
xo

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

You really are thoughtful of the butterflies! I love zinnias and yours are such a hot orange. A perfect backdrop for monarchs!

Q said...

Dear Sheila,
I am more interested in the butterflies than having my gardens "pretty." They look pretty to me when the butterflies are on the flowers. I have zinnias growing in strange places but I don't care, as long as the butterflies like them I am happy.
What is good for the butterfly is good for this girl!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Lynne,
Some of the zinnias are a red-orange and some are red and then there are purples and pinks and yellows! I like zinnias, easy to grow and full of butterfly food and easy to save the seeds.
Sherry

Mary C said...

Sherry - your photos are so beautiful. The flowers are so vivid they really emphasize the beauty of the monarch butterflies. I'll have to consider planting zinnias next year.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

I have been enjoying your butterflies so much. It is nice you have such a nice area to sit and be close to them.

Q said...

Dear Mary C,
Do plant zinnias. You will also have many butterflies and you can save your seed and never have to buy seed again! The old fashion types are the best.
Your Hummingbirds will like them too. Zinnias are a gardener's delight. They are draught tolerant and germinate easily and last a long time in the garden.
I like them for cut flowers too.
It gets hot here and in July and August usually it is dry. The zinnias thrive and the butterflies are happy.
Sherry

Q said...

Hi Nina,
I do try and have nectar for the butterflies from April to November.
The zinnias are great as are the marigolds.
As I redo the flowerbeds I hope to have more host plants. There are over 200 different Butterflies in my area. I have only seen about 75 of them. I have a ways to go!
I like to sit and watch the butterflies and the birds. Lately it has been to hot for me to be out for very long.
Sherry