I've been watching this weed with delight
as I walk through my gardens each morning.
Common Milkweed
I was hoping it would show up again.
Fit for Royalty
Most weeds don't stand a chance of growing in my gardens.
This one is nurtured...
for the hope of what may follow.
Monarch Butterfly
In My Garden
I have loved butterflies since I was a little girl.
I am fascinated by their quiet beauty,
their colors,
the grace of their movement,
the stillness of their existence.
In my mind, they are surely a gift from Heaven.
When a butterfly enters my garden,
a sweet peace fills my heart that my offering has been accepted
and the whispering of "well done" fills my soul.
♥ ♥ ♥
We don't see many butterflies here. Perhaps because we live in a suburb where caution is thrown to the wind as far as pesticides are concerned. This month alone I have had three young men at my door wanting to sell me pest control. Imagine the look on their face as I politely share my thoughts on the subject:
We are stewards over this beautiful earth
and the creatures who live here.
When was the last time you saw a butterfly frolicking through the flowers?
If you want to enjoy the wonders of nature in your gardens, you
must find other ways to manage any unwanted pests.
No, I don't want you to spread a blanket of pesticide over my gardens,
and I hope my neighbors don't either.
and I hope my neighbors don't either.
BTW, I didn't plant this Common Milkweed.
Last Spring, after eight years of living here, it just sprouted in my flower bed.
And now it holds a royal place in my gardens.
I'm hoping the Monarch Butterflies think so, too.
♥ ♥ ♥
I'm hoping the Monarch Butterflies think so, too.
♥ ♥ ♥
Your milkweed is looking great! I have a couple milkweeds coming up from last year, and I've got some sproutlings in the garden from some seeds. Here's hoping the monarchs find our weeds!
ReplyDeleteGotta love those surprising volunteers--especially the ones that attract butterflies!
ReplyDeleteYour Milkweed looks beautiful and well worth having with the Butterflies all over it. Part of the nicest part of gardening is encouraging those beauties to visit and you've done such a nice job of that.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Such a beautiful post, Carolyn. I wish you many butterflies during this sweet season of summer!
ReplyDeleteHow nice that it decided to come live in your garden! I have one that was given to me as a gift, and I hope to add more. Perhaps yours will whisper to its friends and ask them to come live in my garden, too. :)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I too found common milkweed sprouting up on its own last year... and this year it is growing wonderfully...I am also awaiting monarchs...I will be linking in Monday!
ReplyDeleteI would have pulled out that weed. No wonder I don't have any butterflies!
ReplyDeletefinally linking in
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was by accident that milkweed began to grow in your garden! I hope your nurturing spirit is rewarded by the visits of many beautiful butterflies!
ReplyDeletethank you Donna!
ReplyDeleteToo funny, You made me smile.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm hoping for... thanks Deb.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be nice. I'm trying to cultivate Butterfly Weed. Last year my starts didn't do so well. We'll see how they do this year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cat... what a sweet wish.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cher. No Monarch's yet this year, although I am seeing a few Swallowtail.
ReplyDeleteThe butterflies are going to love your garden. I planted seeds this spring but have not noticed any coming up yet. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDelete