Several years earlier, I took a silk fusion workshop and discovered milkweed fluff can add a delightful touch to a piece of silk paper. Fast forward a number of years. I hadn't been able to find a ready source for that lovely fluff, so I tried to raise a milkweed plant on my deck. It did not go well. Someone I met via fiber adventures posted about her efforts on behalf of monarch butterflies. I was intriqued, and no longer just because of the fluff. It had been easy to not notice dwindling numbers of butterflies. Bees get most of the attention. But helping earth recover is pretty damn important. Saving monarch butterfliess is one part of that. So when that monarch mama offered me some seeds, I happily accepted, and planted them in seed trays, then when they obligingly sprouted, transplanted them in my back yard.
I admit, I've been lazy with my milkweed project, but they grow in spite of me. And I've been seeing more monarchs flitting about this year. Yesterday they rewarded me: I found a little bitty catepillar in those milkweed buds. Made me kinda giddy. Catepillar = success. And also hope. Each catepillar that survives is one more step for survival of the species. And that's good for all of us. I picked a couple leaves and nudged little 'pillar onto one for transport into my house. And because catepillars are no safer on the loose inside the house with cats and a dog and human feet, I set up a catepillar habitat using a mason jar, pantyhose, and a folded paper towel to make for easier cleaning of the frass (butterfly poop - see: I'm learning the lingo!). Yes, apparently I don't have enough animal poop to clean up with dog, cats, and bunnies. hahaha
After feeding bunnies and watering potted plants this morning, I wandered out to the milkweed to fetch fresh leaves. And looky there: another little bitty catepillar.
Yeah, I'm kinda hooked.
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