Monarch of Silverlake

MONARCH AND MILKWEED

Recently, we purchased a Milkweed plant at Armstrong Garden Center in Glendale, CA. 

Days went by before this beautiful creature (below) arrived. We first discovered it resting upon the broad leaves of a nearby Plumeria. The Milkweed was planted just feet away. 

"Our" Monarch, ritualistically, flew around and danced over the Milkweed, for quite awhile, until if finally landed on the flower of its choice.

At some point, eggs will be left under leaves and larvae will eventually emerge. The caterpillars will eat almost every single leaf of the plant, then rest into cocoons. In time, Monarchs will emerge from the cocoons - and the cycle continues.
The circular flight of our Monarch delighted us. It flew in smaller circles around the milkweed and larger circles around the garden. We were uplifted with joy as we observed the dancing flight of our special garden visitor.

Monarch Watch