We've been finding a lot of Monarch eggs lately! Did you know that statistically, 10% or less of all Monarchs make it through the caterpillar phase? Most succumb to diseases, parasites, or predators. Finding them as eggs and raising them in a protected environment can shield them from some of these risks, provided you're raising them in a clean environment.
The good news is that the survival rate for Monarchs goes up in places where there are plenty of milkweed and nectar plants available. If you want to know more about the different types of milkweed, which is the only plant that Monarch caterpillars can eat, check out this guide.
If you're interested in attracting other native butterflies, you'll find a rundown of plants for many local species here.
A successful pollinator garden offers food plants for the caterpillars as well as nectar plants for the adults that bloom all season long. To see an example of how it works, check out our free Pollinator Plan. Every plant in the plan was selected to attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, doubling your chances of beautiful garden visitors!
Looking for inspiration, or simply an afternoon of butterfly watching? Hoerr Nursery has been a registered Monarch Waystation since 2007, and every year we nurture scores of butterflies on site. Ask our horticulturists for a peek inside the butterfly house to see their transformation in action.
You can see adult butterflies flitting back and forth across the flowers in the perennial yard, and hummingbirds are frequent visitors. Photography is welcome!
You'll find other local registered monarch waystations at the Peoria Zoo, Forest Park Nature Center, Luthy Botanical Garden, C.T. Vivian Primary School, Pekin Community High School, Monarch Park in Morton, Springdale Cemetery, Illinois Central College, Donovan Park, Proctor Hospital, the Peoria Heights Public Library and the Riverfront Museum, in addition to the many gardens planted at private homes, private schools, businesses and houses of worship.
If you've got a sunny corner of your yard, we hope that you'll consider adding a place for pollinators to your own garden. You'll be in good company, and every habitat helps! Chances are that if you plant it, the Monarchs will come.
Last call for Hardy Bucks!
Saturday is the last day of 2021 to save up to 50% off all in-stock merchandise with your Hardy Bucks. Don't miss out!
The Green Thumb Gardening Show is back on 1470 WMBD, at 7am on Saturday mornings! Tune in to hear Ethan Wise and Dan Diorio talk gardening for Central Illinois.
