What you can do NOW to support the Monarch Butterflies
1. Plant a butterfly garden containing milkweed and other nectar sources. Milkweed contains a toxin which the young caterpillars consume to keep away predators–they depend on milkweed to survive.
2. Encourage public land managers to transform common ground and open spaces of turf into butterfly habitats containing native plants.
3. Tell your friends and family about the importance of adding milkweed to their gardens.
Tips on Starting Your Butterfly Garden
- Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Interplant species of milkweed with ornamental grasses and other nectar sources that bloom at different times throughout the year, creating a naturalized look that’s beautiful and useful all season long.
- Water your new plants regularly and lightly mulch them the first season. Don’t over-mulch or over-water because native plants need air to breathe.
- As part of the Milkweed for Monarchs program, St. Louis City has created a list of recommended plants to help you in establishing your monarch garden. To view names and pictures of recommended plant varieties, view this webpage.
If you would like to develop a monarch-friendly design for your yard, contact Karen to set up a design consultation. Whether you want the design professionally implemented or you enjoy the DIY experience, Karen provides outstanding and sustainable designs, tips and resources. Contact Karen directly via phone at 314-954-6140 or via email at karenwestman@quietvillagelandscaping.com.
For updated information on the STL Milkweeds for Monarchs initiative and to receive recognition for creating a monarch garden, please visit stlouis-mo.gov/sustainability.
