Photo and article by Donna Iverson Want more butterflies in your garden or yard? Consider creating a Monarch Waystation. It can be as big or small as you like, although an ideal size is about 100 square feet, according to monarchwatch.org But even a small strip about 5 feet by 10 feet along a walkway would work. What is needed to meet the requirements for a Monarch Waystation?
Annual flowers that provide nectar for the Monarch butterfly include marigolds, zinnias and lantana. Perennial flowers include native plants such as bee balm, Black-eyed Susans, coreopsis, aster, phlox, coneflower, and sedums. As of a year ago, the country had 41,546 Monarch Waystations, according to monarchwatch.org. There are hundreds of them in West Michigan. If you would like a certified Monarch Waystation, this website offers downloadable application forms. There is a $16 charge for certification, which includes a sign to post on your property. A sign might be helpful if you have decided to plant a more informal native garden that attracts pollinators and other wildlife. If your property is posted as a butterfly sanctuary, neighbors who prefer more tidy yards might be appeased. For more information on Monarchs, check out the National Wildlife Federation at nwf.org/Monarchs. Or better yet, visit your local library.
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