Alfalfa Co. Conservation Monarch Habitat

This project was so much fun! Can’t wait until we are safe to have our elementary students help us continue to plant seeds for our habitat in the future. (this was the original plan until Covid-19 changed our plans just a little). We marked off a 24’X24′ plot for our seeds to grow. This is near the road so our community can drive by or get out and observe our accomplishments. Myself, my son and his friend (Ty & Dakota) planted this plot just West of our office building. Even the older kids can have a lot of fun with this awesome project.

Salem’s Butterfly Garden

Salem’s Butterfly Garden is 650 sq foot, intentionally managed garden that provides food and habitat for monarch butterflies. It is located at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and includes native milkweeds, native nectar producing perennials and native stone benches. Signs have been placed that identify the over 20 varieties of plants that meet the needs of the monarchs and other pollinators. It is a pocket garden that provides a welcoming space for butterflies and pedestrians and a visual statement of our commitment to care for creation.

Two Oaks

With a focus on Monarchs, I’ve setup a garden dedicated to butterflies and their posterity. Monarchs, Black Swallowtails, Emperor Hackberry butterflies, Painted Ladies, Pearl Crescents, Red Admirals, Question Marks and Hairstreaks visit. With a focus on host plants, I’m hoping to see Giant, Spicebush, and Pipevine Swallowtails, Commas Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary, Mexican Fritillary, Zebra Longwing and Julias.

Waystation near Concho

Back in June 2020, I revived an unused, neglected corner garden in our backyard in order to provide a waystation for monarchs and other pollinators. I used the “Okies For Monarchs” central Oklahoma blend of seeds available from Johnston Seed Company. This mix includes: Goldenrod, Partridge Pea, Prairie Coneflower, Illinois Bundleflower, Maximilian Sunflower, Plains Coreopsis, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Annual Sunflower, White Yarrow, Leadplant, White Prairie Clover, Purple Prairie Clover, Indian Blanket, Verbena, Purple Coneflower, Swamp Milkweed, Butterfly Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Pennsylvania Smartweed, Wild Bergamot, Gayfeather, Pale Purple Coneflower, Lemon Mint, and Rattlesnake Master. Additionally, I threw in a few various packets of wildflowers I had on-hand, as well as some seeds from wild milkweed growing nearby. The photo I’m including was taken August 25, 2020, so it’s been about 2.5 months.

Two Oaks Butterfly Garden

Started in 2019, and expanded in 2020, a private home garden with a focus on butterfly host plants: spice bush, Joe Pye Weed, native Pipevine, fennel, parsley, and Rue; also exhibits nectar-source host plants: various milkweed species (showy, green, and prairie), Passion flower vine, and wild blue indigo; and primary necter sources: Sweetspire, sterile buddleia, verbena, lantana, coneflower, alyssum, and lavender.