Category: Gardens

When I was painting shelves in the backyard, I heard a constant buzzing. I looked up at the Brugmansia in bloom above me. Bees were everywhere.

I was away for a few weeks. When I returned, the first garden task was to cut the milkweed plants to the ground. I cut the first one. And just as I was about to cut the second plant I saw a small monarch caterpillar. Shouldn’t really be here in December. The temperature was to drop to the high 30s, so I cut some milkweed leaves and placed them and the caterpillar in a small jar.

Every day I clean the jar. Then replace the dried milkweed leaves with fresh cut leaves.

The caterpillar is still small, but I suspect it is twice the size it was when I found it.

I hope that it completes the caterpillar part of the cycle before I run out of milkweed leaves.

2017 December 29 Update
When cutting leaves for the little cat, I found another one. I brought it in. Now there are two.

2018 January 02 Update
Ran out of Milkweed leaves to feed to the Monarch caterpillars. Google search found several Monarch sites suggesting the use of slices of squash, pumpkin, and cucumbers as an alternative food source.

2018 January 04 Update

2018 January 05 Update

Butterfly Fun Facts

Monarch Grove Pismo Beach, California/a>

Been checking the second Monarch chrysalis daily since finding it October 16, 2017.

Monarch Chrysalis Attached to an Angel Wing Begonia Leaf

Today when I was removing unwanted cabbage moth caterpillars from one of my variegated Brugmansia, I found another Monarch chrysalis. It may be newly formed since it still has its skin attached.

Monarch Chrysalis Attached to Variegated Brugmansia Leaf
Morning October 19, 2017

I have yet to see the full transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis. There is a fun video of the transformation on the Monarch Butterfly Garden site. It is amazing to watch!

Yes, the Brug has spider mites. Everything loves Brugs. When I am certain the Monarchs have continued on their journey, I can treat the Brugs.

Two Datura–different foliage, different flowers, and different seed pods.

Datura Ballerina Double Purple

Datura Ballerina Double Purple, October 18, 2017

Datura Ballerina Double Purple Seed Pod

Volunteer Datura

Volunteer Datura, October 18, 2017

Volunteer Datura With Seed Pod

Volunteer Datura Pod

Volunteer Datura Seed Pod

Found a New Monarch Chyrsalis

Monarch Chrysalis Attached to an Angel Wing Begonia Leaf

The Monarch butterfly remained in the courtyard until nearly 6:00 pm. The last sighting, it was in the top of the Mimosa. Earlier in the day a Monarch butterfly flew through the courtyard. Hope that they found each other and will continue on their journey together.

The chrysalis was attached to a leaf of a potted Brugmansia. I broke off the leaf to get a better look at the empty chrysalis.

When I was looking at the numerous spider mites, I also noticed a clear caterpillar with a dark head. Altered the image to see the detail a bit more.

I am surprised that any of my photos are in focus. Had my eyes dilated during my eye exam yesterday morning.

If it is a Monarch in the early stages, it will be hungry. I placed the Brug leaf in a plastic shoe box with fresh cut milkweed leaves for a snack.

The Brugmansia is infested with spider mites. Waiting to give the Brug systemic until the Monarchs are gone. There are 5 additional Monarch caterpillars that have gone missing. Not all will successfully become a chrysalis and transform to become a lovely butterfly. That is one of the reasons why it was so important to see the butterfly emerge.

When I am certain they are gone, I will remove all of the leaves, and maybe cut it back as well, before giving it systemic.