Monarch Butterflies Are The Highlight of the Season
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
Nashville, Tennessee
August 26, 2022 9:17am CST
First Monarch to see this season in Dustin's garden. Yes, another butterfly garden post. My favorite things to talk about and share. The little things.
I was out standing and waiting on a swallowtail butterfly I had been watching from the window. All of a sudden this beautiful Monarch showed itself. He flew away at first. I did not move. He quickly returned. And I got several photos. My day was made to say the least.
A quick time out for a moment. I would like to thank a few of you who have reached out to check on me during my recent absence. It truly means more than you know. @everwonderwhy, my sweet friend, @RebeccasFarm, @ptrikha_2, and of course @sharon6345 and @Marilynda1225. You all have really made my day. I am doing much better. Still a little ways to go in my recovery. But as I say, this too shall pass. Things are much better. I apologize if I left anyone out.
Sadly, Monarchs are declining in many areas. They seem to appear here the end of August each year for some reason. Perhaps on their way to migration. And they always enjoy the butterfly bushes in the garden.
Photo taken in Dustin's garden two days ago.
43 people like this
40 responses
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Aug 22
@Beestring As long as you keep my copyright name I do not mind. I have had many photos stolen the past. Perhaps share a link to my post.
4 people like this
@Beestring (14702)
• Hong Kong
26 Aug 22
@CarolDM Do you mind if I share this photo with friends?
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (182484)
• United States
26 Aug 22
They really are beautiful butterflies.
2 people like this
@much2say (56226)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Aug 22
What a spectacular visit from a gorgeous Monarch! I read they are on the endangered list . . . but I hope we can help to bring back their population.
Glad to hear things are much better . . . may the healing continue in leaps and bounds 
.1 person likes this
@much2say (56226)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Aug 22
@CarolDM Dustin's garden does a world of good for nature's creatures - you seem to have many flowers/plants that are appealing to butterflies - and now a Monarch! I think the little beauties also uplift your soul to help you heal. I hope each day is better for you .
.1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
@much2say When I planned this garden in my mind, I wanted whatever would attract butterflies. And I wanted roses. I have never grown roses before this garden. It has all worked out. Plus Bluebirds as well. There is a big connection with Dustin and the bluebirds. They are also a huge part of the garden in the spring. I know for a fact they have helped in my healing process. I am taken to another level while sitting on the bench in the garden. Dustin is often there with me, I believe that. I so appreciate your humor and your constant support and kindness, it means the world.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (90547)
• Arvada, Colorado
26 Aug 22
Oh so wondrous the Monarchs!
I say you are blessed with the beauty there of nature Carol.
I am glad to hear from you, and you are so special to us all, we want to know naturally if you are fine.
Thanks for popping in to show us your Dustin's lovely paradise garden RIP
Keeping you in thoughts and prayers for healing.
Keeping you in thoughts and prayers for healing.1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121750)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Aug 22
You captured a beautiful photo of the Monarch!
I think you are aware, but my career has been in the field of parks and recreation, and I've worked in municipal government for 25+ years. Our professional organization, the National Recreation & Parks Association, broke a story on the decline of the Monarchs a couple of years ago, and then started a program to bring awareness and attention to the Monarchs. What was cool about the publicity was that they used their national platform and reach across the US to encourage city, county and state P&R departments to take active steps of protecting and helping Monarchs by planting butterfly gardens in parks, medians, rightaways and other public lands. Part of the reason for their decline has a lot to do with loss of food sources along the migratory journey, so by planting butterfly gardens on a mass scale across the US helped address that food shortage and has given the Monarchs a fighting chance.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121750)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Aug 22
@CarolDM Well, I'm "retired" from my career now, so I'm not working in municipal government anymore. The majority of my income now comes from my paintball contract, plus my investments.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
@moffittjc Oh I see. Well that sounds good. Better hours I am sure. Your g/f is a lucky lady.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
Thank you, it was really a surprise. I wondered where your work. I thought it was something similar from your posts. We can all do our part in helping the Monarchs. Great to hear of your organization doing so much. I really want to continue seeing them in the garden.
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7376)
•
26 Aug 22
@CarolDM What a dazzling contrast among the evergreens in the background. The Monarch butterfly looks like an animated feature in the entire picture. Amazing!
You must be thinking about his meaningful visit, weren't you? I'm very sure you've found it. And the Monarch gave you so much delight and joy all day long, and as you lay in bed to sleep.
My friend, we'll see each other again soon.
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7376)
•
26 Aug 22
@CarolDM Ah, so that's what they are--those bushes in the foreground. They looked familiar but I could not pin the name on those gorgeous flowers. How do they do in Fall/Autumn? The Monarch, does he come around in Autumn, as well?
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Aug 22
@everwonderwhy My comment was deleted. The blooms are on the butterfly bush. They last until late September. Most of the monarchs migrate south each year. I have written about it many times. Here is a link to the migration. If you ever get the chance to see a documentary make sure to watch. Above incredible.
https://www.learnaboutnature.com/insects/butterflies/monarch-butterfly-migration/
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Aug 22
Well thank you so much. Everything is growing so well. That is the poplar tree in the background. And both butterfly bushes are almost six feet already. I absolutely found it. I have chills again now just thinking about it. When I saw him, I said, there you are! Always makes my day to see you. Take care.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (47110)
• India
27 Aug 22
Wow the Monarch Butterfly looks so Elegant plus beautiful.
No doubt why it is so popular!
Are their numbers declining due to Weather or Climate changes? If yes, then it is so sad.
But well, that is a big topic by itself.
Thanks so much for mentioning my name.
Your posts are what I look forward to.
They bring calmness and joy to me.
You are so positive even with a big personal loss and that makes your posts even more special!!
By the way, what are Dude and Brendel up to?
By the way, what are Dude and Brendel up to?1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (47110)
• India
27 Aug 22
@CarolDM
Milkweed is something I am not much familiar with.
But awareness needs to be spread for conservation of such butterflies.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (47110)
• India
28 Aug 22
@CarolDM
So are the Milkweeds getting in short supply?
Do people need to grow more?
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
One of my favorite butterflies. Who knows about their decline. I don't consider climate changes.
There are things people can do to help, including planting milkweed, a plant that the caterpillars depend on.
You are so welcome, I enjoy your continued support.
My cats are snoozing in the screen room. Doing fine. Thanks for asking.
1 person likes this
@jobelbojel (36106)
• Philippines
26 Aug 22
I love seeing your butterfly posts. Anything from Dustin's garden.
Hope you will fully recover fast.
1 person likes this
@jobelbojel (36106)
• Philippines
27 Aug 22
@CarolDM Great news still! Slowly but surely.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
@jobelbojel One day at a time.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41785)
• United States
26 Aug 22
That is so beautiful! Thankful you're still making progress.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
@1creekgirl Appreciate your continued support.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83155)
• United States
26 Aug 22
Seeing the Monarch certainly is a great way to start your day Carol. I'm happy to hear that you're doing better. You've been in my thoughts and prayers every day.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (83155)
• United States
26 Aug 22
@CarolDM 
it just makes me smile to know you are doing better even if it's slow
it just makes me smile to know you are doing better even if it's slow1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Aug 22
@Marilynda1225 So sweet of you. I notice a lot of comments are duplicated today.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (182341)
• United States
27 Aug 22
Glad to see you back. I'm always thinking of you. Great photo. Hope you have a good weekend. P. S. Our weeds are doing great! :-D
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (182341)
• United States
28 Aug 22
@CarolDM Thanks. No, hubs isn't home yet. :-(
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26777)
• United States
27 Aug 22
Nice, your in garden a haven for butterflies, terrific! Glad you're better!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
28 Aug 22
@oahuwriter Have a great evening.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (80925)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Aug 22
I really love monarch butterflies, A long time ago, we had one visit us in our garden and even sat on Martin's hand, and I got the photo. Perhaps he wasn't a monarch, but I am sure you will let me know. I am glad to hear you are doing better and just get plenty of rest, and I am sure all will be well again,
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
26 Aug 22
I don't know what month they might appear around here maybe earlier in the summer when it's still a bit cooler. I learned that they can't withstand temps above 100 so will migrate both for the summer and down to Mexico for the winter months.
I'm glad to hear you're still improving even if still taking things slow. Do you still have to watch and not bend down or limit your bending?
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
27 Aug 22
@CarolDM that's not uncommon too push ourselves in certain areas when it's better to wait.
When I got one of my knees replaced I had the surgery late spring so I could go outside to walk some and I also walked with a friend in the halls of the hospital. When I told my Ortho Dr he wasn't happy and told me that's what PT was for.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
27 Aug 22
@MarshaMusselman Oh I know. You start feeling better and think, I can do this. I think we all do it. It is so easy to overdo it.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
26 Aug 22
I wondered the same and researched. Each butterfly has a story about their names. The common name of this butterfly was assigned by early settlers to North America. There was, at the time, a King William (the 3rd, apparently), Prince of Orange, state holder of Holland, who would later be named King of England. The butterfly's colour lead to the name: monarch.
I hesitated adding the names to my post, I didn't want to miss anyone. Thanks for your continued support.
2 people like this
