People have strong thoughts about common milkweed. Its ecological value is high, since it's a host plant for monarch butterflies, and many pollinators benefit from its nectar. But it's quite aggressive and can take over your garden.

I removed mine from my garden bed, and I now grow it in a pot, where it's alive but not living its best life. No regrets though - I want lots of different plants in my yard, not just common milkweed.

Here's a pod of seeds.

#Milkweed #MilkweedForMonarchs #Seeds

I have learned the hard way that animals (probably rabbits) love to eat young asters and milkweed. That's why I've added tubes of black mesh to protect these swamp milkweed seedlings.

I actually don't mind a bit of nibbling, but I at least want the roots to get strong enough to survive.

In another area, critters ate 12 young smooth blue asters, right down to the ground. I guess asters must taste good.
#gardening #milkweed #MilkweedForMonarchs

In my previous post I was so thrilled to share a #MonarchButterfly on my Purple Coneflower.

Since that photo, this stunning, but endangered insect has visited my:

-Spotted Joe Pye Weed
-Butterfly Milkweed

These insects and other bugs need native plants to survive. We can give back to nature by providing this habitat and food, whether it's from a balcony or a huge lot.

Plus we get these gorgeous flowers to look at.

#NativePlants #ButterflyGarden #PollinatorGarden #MilkweedForMonarchs

Two #monarch caterpillars munching their way around the #milkweedformonarchs in my #pollinatorgarden this morning 🐛🦋

Precious little creatures. 🥹
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#monarch #monarchbutterfly #savethemonarchs #savethemonarchbutterfly #savethebees #pollination #pollinators #garden #gardening