I wrote this in January 2017, but I haven't been ready to publish it for some funny reason. But I now feel people will relate to this and may help them personally. I hope you enjoy reading it! I’ve heard that 2018 is the year of the butterfly. Personally, I feel human beings can live as … Continue reading Year of the Butterfly
Blog
The beautiful battered veteran
This beautiful old butterfly arrived in my garden in early March 2018. She spent at least 45 minutes in my garden before she eventually flew away. I watched her sucking deep down with her proboscis into the nectar in my zinnia flower. She loved it and couldn't get enough, she was not scared of me … Continue reading The beautiful battered veteran
Caring for your Swan Plants (Milkweed)
Caring for your swan plants over winter months Swan plants (Gomphocarpus fruticosus) originate from the Asclepiadiae family, which is a species of Milkweed. Most Swan plants survive the winter if they have been cared for and nourished with water and re-potted either in a larger pot or into the ground. Sometimes Swan plants struggle to grow … Continue reading Caring for your Swan Plants (Milkweed)
Chrysalides: The Good and the Bad
I often get many questions and people email me photos of their chrysalides that they are not sure about. I thought I would share my knowledge and experience with chrysalides with everyone. These chrysalides below are all healthy, you will notice the wings of the monarch a couple of days before emergence begins. It just so … Continue reading Chrysalides: The Good and the Bad
Guest Speaker – Book Me
Book me as a guest speaker at your next garden club night, rotary club, or Lions club. I will talk all about raising caterpillars, monarchs and caring for the swan plants once they have been demolished, so they will replenish again for the next batch of caterpillars. I will guide you on how to create … Continue reading Guest Speaker – Book Me
Why I do what I do
My mission of protecting and raising awareness for the Monarch butterflies
Healthy Caterpillars and Swan Plants
I had my first successful chrysalis of the season this week!! I’m so far behind this year. Furthermore, I had heaps of caterpillars, but I lost many within 24hrs due to my next-door neighbour who booked in the spider proofing man round to her house!! Chemicals were sprayed a few metres from all of my … Continue reading Healthy Caterpillars and Swan Plants
Book Reviews & TALK FEEDBACKS
Want to know more about taking care of a vital pollinators and would like to purchase my book that has all you need to know about creating a beautiful butterfly garden and raising healthy monarch butterflies go purchase my excellent A4 colourful resource book. USA residents please purchase via Amazon only $11.58 USD. https://www.amazon.com/Educational-Guide-Monarch-Butterflies/
Kiwi Gardener Article
It was a great honour to feature in the Kiwi Gardener Magazine in Oct 2017, a 6-page spread too!! Detailing all my voluntary work in schools planting 4000 swan plants together with the children around the Christchurch schools in Aug/Sept 2017. I was overwhelmed by how a little seed/idea in my head exploded into such … Continue reading Kiwi Gardener Article
