The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. (GCI) has a project to help monarch butterflies survive,“Milkweed for Monarchs.” In 1996 there were one billion monarchs. In 2013 there were 33 million and by 2016 there were practically none. Ted Gregory in a Chicago Tribune article on August 29, 2016, declared 2016 the “worst year ever!” for the butterflies. To learn more about monarchs, watch a 45-minute YouTube, “ Kay MacNeil Milkweed for Monarchs.” As chair of this GCI project, her enthusiasm is contagious! Call (815-469-1294) or email her (kaymac60423@yahoo.com)) for more information. We need to plant milkweed because that is the only plant on which monarchs will lay their eggs.
Because of Kay’s efforts, Governor Rauner proclaimed May as Monarch Butterfly Month. GCI is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Department of Natural Resources to give them milkweed seeds. Then IDOT will broadcast the seed on select interchanges and new road projects where they can add it to the grass and wildflower mix they use. Garden Club members grow milkweed, collect the seed and donate it. You can, too!
How to plant milkweed:
Broadcast or “fling” common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) in a wild area. This is invasive— do not plant it in your yard! Or near a farmer’s field! Look for lonely highways or unmown trails.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is available at most garden centers. I grow “Ice Ballet” and it is a white, well-behaved perennial, growing about three feet tall.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), also available at garden center stands, comes it in orange or yellow.
Swamp milkweed and perennial milkweed bloom from June to August. To start from seed, drop the seed on top of roughed up soil and do not cover the seed. Mark the seed location and just wait.
Kay has seed available; send a self-addressed, stamped business envelope and $2 cash to 689 Golf Club Lane, Frankfort, IL 60432.
One plant at a time, we can make a difference!
