Home Gardens

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       The second major goal of the Save the Monarch Butterfly Club is to engage our community in helping us have a significant impact on arresting the decline of the monarchs – as well as other endangered species of butterflies. As the use of hundreds of pesticides continues by farmers, landscapers, and individuals, these key pollinators of our food and flowers are verging on the point of extinction. 

        Our community is fortunate to have hundreds of residents who regularly garden, and they are a tremendous help in this effort.  We have identified almost a hundred homes that are caring for butterflies.  With so many residents participating, we have many experts who can give you excellent advice.

        Many others may not be aware of the simple steps that they can take to be a part of this effort.  It begins with being able to identify, and then protect, the insects they may encounter in their yards.  Often butterfly caterpillars are mistaken for worms or the larvae of moths and subsequently killed. Our website has a clear description of all butterflies from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis and adult butterflies to help avoid mistaken identity.

         The SMB Club can help you find sources for organic plants that provide food and hosts for Monarchs, which only lay their eggs and find food on milkweed.  Residents are encouraged to let us know when they are ready to plant milkweed; we arrange for deliveries to OHCC. To ensure the surroundings in home gardens are safe for other butterflies we also help in locating safe host plants and nectar for them.  We also have tips for protecting the eggs, providing structures for the chrysalises, and more.

          No garden is too small! A pot or two in your yard multiplied by hundreds is a significant contribution.

          After the OHCC Sanctuary becomes established, we will hold seminars and other events to learn more about the wonderful world of butterflies.

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Here are some helpful tips:

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