Zeedman
Garden Master
I've seen monarchs on the runner bean blossoms this year, but not as many as in years past. Plenty of milkweed all around me, but I try to keep it out of the vegetable garden... its really tough to eliminate once the roots are established.
As a child, I collected & raised several butterflies; Milberts Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloaks, and of course Monarchs. I raised the caterpillars, so was able to watch them go through their life cycle. It was occasionally more challenging than intended - such as when I trusted my younger brother to feed them while I spent the weekend with my Grandfather, and he left the jars open.
This happened just as they were pupating, and a lot of them escaped & pupated everywhere. He & I were unable to find them all. In mid-Winter, they hatched, and suddenly there were about a dozen butterflies flying in the house. Mother thought it was cute, Father was not amused. My brother & I thought it was hilarious. 
As a child, I collected & raised several butterflies; Milberts Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloaks, and of course Monarchs. I raised the caterpillars, so was able to watch them go through their life cycle. It was occasionally more challenging than intended - such as when I trusted my younger brother to feed them while I spent the weekend with my Grandfather, and he left the jars open.
This happened just as they were pupating, and a lot of them escaped & pupated everywhere. He & I were unable to find them all. In mid-Winter, they hatched, and suddenly there were about a dozen butterflies flying in the house. Mother thought it was cute, Father was not amused. My brother & I thought it was hilarious. 
