In my little corner of the world, the month of March usually swoops in like the proverbial lion then gently leaves like a woolly lamb. It appears that's what March will do again this year. Although March is a bit early to start digging and planting in my garden, it's the perfect time to get a head start toward planning, then planting some of my new containers.
After perusing many gardening books during the cold months of winter, I've finally decided what to plant in three new containers I found priced right at a liquidation sale. I'm also going to give my trio of potpourri pots a special name this year--not that butterflies can read, you understand. A charming little decorated sign that says "Potted Potpourri for Butterflies" will be a great eye-catcher, don't you agree? When neighbors and friends come to visit, they will see at a glance that I'll be entertaining "flying flowers" again this summer.
Countless numbers of migrating butterflies are already fluttering their way north from their southern wintering grounds. These new generations of butterflies will be seeking nectar for sustenance wherever they can find it on their journey north. After mating, the females will be scouting for host plants on which to lay their eggs. This is serious business for them, as they won't settle for just any old plant as a home for their baby caterpillars. Only specific plants will do, especially for Monarchs. Photo © Terri W., (PA) All rights reserved.
So you see, it's very important that I have some nectar sources and host plants ready for their arrival.
Would you care to stay for a spell while I assemble the ingredients to plant my "butterfly potpourri?" Great! Just have a seat here in my comfy garden swing. I really must get started so I don't miss any earlybird butterflies.
Some butterflies, like Mourning Cloaks, don't fly south during winter, but just hide under old logs or boards or whatever places feel cozy to them. In the spring they emerge again, looking somewhat bedraggled and moving slowly at first. However, they'll also be seeking sweet nectar to give them a jump-start after hibernating all winter.
- Three Glazed/Decorated Clay Planters of Different Sizes
- Broken pieces of clay pottery
- Polyester window screening (one 12" square) and some small pebbles
- Two bags of commercial soilless potting mix
- Slow-release fertilizer granules
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