Phil and Ellie Daley reported a Monarch butterfly in their yard this past week! Across the Monarch liserv there have been reports of some early arrivals in Fairfax county as well.
So what are the Monarchs looking for? (I know, you already know this!) They’re on the search for milkweed so they can lay their eggs and continue the cycle of life!
Common milkweed is coming up pretty nicely along our roadsides and in fields. We’ve had a great mix of rain and sun in our area so far. I’m including a photo here of milkweed at the Phillips Farm in Waterford that I spotted last weekend. Height is about a foot tall right now and it’s looking healthy.
I saw a huge stand of it near Purcellville last week too – much taller, probably almost 2 feet tall. It was lovely and I’m sure the Monarchs are sniffing it out!
The challenge, across our region, will be the mowers. Milkweed will be growing along roadsides and in medians and VDOT will no doubt be out to mow it down. If you know of stands of milkweed in your community, talk to the HOA and ask that certain spots be left natural so the milkweed (and other great natural habitat) can flourish. You can use the area to be a nature detective a