Summer 2024

The Monarch Butterfly counts are down, and I can verify that based on what I am experiencing in my garden. On July 18th, the number of butterflies I raised and released is 50% less than in 2023. The overall trend since I began raising the Monarchs is downward.

My Milkweed patch has been lonely this summer. There are fewer pollinators in general. Normally, when the Milkweed is in full bloom, it is covered with bees. This time it is notably less.

It has been raining nearly everyday, and my garden is like a jungle. The wild flower patch is unruly! The Milkweed is suffering from leaf hoppers and disease. This is probably due to the wet, humid weather.

The butterflies I release are lonely. Only one or two at a time, and they leave to find company in other gardens. By July 18th, I began to find what I think are viable eggs. We shall see.