 CreateYour Own Butterfly Mini-Garden |
| Create Your Own Butterfly Mini-Garden |
 Step 6. Water the plant thoroughly. Water it each day for the first three to four days, then every second or third day. |
 Step 7. Within three to four weeks, you should notice some new growth and blossoms on your plant. As flowers die, pick them to encourage the plant to continue blooming rather than produce seed. |
 Step 8. Be patient! Check your plant often. The best time to observe butterflies is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Although many kinds of butterflies are attracted to butterfly weed, the monarch butterfly uses it as a host. That means monarchs lay their eggs on butterfly weed.In spring (March and April) and fall (September and October), check for small yellowish eggs and caterpillars that have white, black, and yellow stripes. If you discover eggs and caterpillars, observe them each day. You will be rewarded additionally by being able to see each caterpillar change into a beautiful light-green chrysalis adorned with shiny gold specks. And then, after about 12 days, you'll be able to watch the actual birth of a monarch butterfly. |
| Step 9. When winter arrives, simply leave your pot in place. Although the plant will probably look like it has died, the roots should still be alive. The warm weather of the following spring will initiate renewed growth. |
 Step 10. If you have additional space, you might want to plant another pot or two. Select lantana from the garden center. The varieties called gold mound and purple trailing seem to work best. And if your parents will allow you some space in their flower beds, you might want to plant butterfly weed and lantana there, too. Be sure to choose sunny locations that are well drained. Good luck! |
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