Hosting a Monarch Butterfly Garden with Dogs

Creating a butterfly garden has been on my agenda for years now. While my yard already attracts butterflies, I wanted to try my hand at hosting and attracting the lovely Monarch species.

By now, you may be wondering why I haven't. Well, I’d like to introduce you to Malibu and Maze. I've fondly nicknamed them my "little wrecking crew."

Maze (pictured left) and Malibu

Looking exhausted after a morning of roughhousing and playing ball in the yard. Don’t let their sweet faces fool you.

Here is a little background to help you understand where I am coming from and why I've nicknamed them the wrecking crew.

Malibu and Maze were not always part of the picture. When I bought my home in 20a18, I loved the backyard. It was well planted; palm trees and splashy azaleas by Chinese fringe bushes lined the pool. A fragrant gardenia that has grown enormous produced the most lush and fragrant flowers, reminiscent of my papaw's yard. He had an amazing green thumb. Not to mention the limestone trail darting around corners and bends of the row of boxwoods and camellias dotting the property. The house was a seller, too. The vibrant shutters face the street. Transom windows peering from entrances to the living and dining areas. It's New Orleans Style through and through. Don't get me wrong, the house could hardly be called massive. It's a single story, not a French Colonial, but it is more than I ever dreamed of having. It's paradise, and that's the way I try to keep it.

Bourbon came along in 2019, but due to epilepsy and medication, grew up quickly. He's not as playful as he was in his pup years, but he stands guard in the yard, fencing the wrecking crew in by barking and nipping at them. His herding instinct is strong. Just yesterday, I caught him guarding a newly transplanted Japanese Maple. He kept my little wrecking crew in line.

Maze came a couple of years later for a few days that turned into months, and I couldn't bear to part with her. Malibu arrived a year later. After spending so much time with her, making the trip after work to take her on walks and play with her while her owner worked long hours, I took full responsibility for Malibu, opening my heart and home to this little wonder with a destructive streak.

Malibu and Maze would be it if a doggy version of Hansel and Gretel existed. When my little wrecking crew members aren't running amuck in the house, roughhousing and knocking each other into walls until I reprimand them, they're ripping up the yard, finding plants, rocks, and even lawn ornaments to sink their teeth into. Toys only work if the wrecking crew knows they're watched. The minute I turn around, they find something to snatch. In the house, it's the laundry. A game of tug of war with mom’s favorite socks is a blast.

My husband and I put up a dog run at the edge of our property near the woods when we moved in years ago. It was a huge mistake. Although Bourbon took preventative medicine, his was a breakthrough case. Bourbon was treated for the heartworms, and all four dogs have moved indoors since then. Mosquitoes terrify me now. They go out to play under my supervision. I’ve set up a couple of smaller playpens for Malibu and Maze on the pool deck when I need undistracted work in the yard.

Malibu and Maze usually watch me work from the playpen when I can’t supervise them.

I ripped out the butterfly ginger that held water behind the dog run after Bourbons’ bout with heartworms in 2020. I spent days digging up the enormous rhizomes that might have spread below throughout the yard. Although fragrant and lush, the area had been a haven for mosquitoes. I learned quickly that the ground was wet. The rhizomes staved off erosion.

I transplanted monkey grass clumps along the fence line in 2021 and added a few plants to keep the soil stable behind the old dog run. When it rains, strong gusts usually follow, blowing across the yard. Water runs like crazy back there, so I have to ensure my plant can withstand wet feet. I have plans to make the dog run into a greenhouse someday, but for now, I’ll work on creating a butterfly garden behind the dog run. I’ve cordoned off the spot because Bourbon used to run through the butterfly ginger for sport. He also likes to run through the cast iron plants surrounding the giant Water Oak in the backyard. He looked positively wild with the wind in his hair.

Bourbon in 2021

Running wild through the cast irons by the giant water oak in the backyard

So, now that you've read my backstory, I'll shift my focus to butterfly gardening.

Why Attract Butterflies? Why Monarchs?

Butterflies are more than delicate, colorful, winged creatures fluttering from flower to flower. They help control insect and plant populations by eating both. Swallowtails and Gulf Fritillary flock to the bandana lantana and the fuchsia-colored bougainvillea, its arms growing like coathangers in my backyard last summer. My yard attracts all butterflies and perhaps even hosts some species I have yet to notice.

I have yet to spot many Monarchs in my yard because I need the correct host plant. Milkweed is critical to the Monarch's life cycle, particularly in the earlier stages. Mama Monarch lays her eggs on the plant's leaves, usually underneath the leaves.

Another reason I want to attract and host Monarchs is to boost my conservation efforts.

Until recently, Monarchs were on the endangered list. They may still be endangered despite the International Union for Conservation of Nature's reversal of their original statement that Monarchs were endangered. The reversal came after a decision was made based on the accuracy of the models they used to measure the species that were called into question. I'm not going into detail on their decision or what models they used in this post because I want to stay on topic. Two, I want to avoid putting you to sleep, and lastly, I need to know what models they've used or how they measured the species.

You're probably wondering why I didn't plant milkweed years ago; here's why.

Roadblock #1 Milkweed is toxic to most animals

While a critical staple for Monarchs, Milkweed is toxic to most animals. The plant contains a cardiac glycoside, a milky white latex substance. Monarchs have partly declined in numbers due to the availability of Milkweed.

In the winter, the Monarch species travels from California and Mexico to Canada and states throughout the U.S. to breed. Mama Monarch almost exclusively lays her eggs on Milkweed leaves.

If you're like me and the old science lessons on butterflies from grade school didn't stick, then you and I need a recap. Lucky for both of us, I've done my homework. The lovely Monarch life cycle consists of four unique stages.

1. The egg stage is when Mama butterflies lay 200-550 eggs, usually on the bottom of the milkweed plants' leaves. At this stage, the unborn are most vulnerable as the eggs lack the toxin found in Milkweed, which also keeps predators away.

2. The larvae or caterpillar stage is within days to several weeks after the eggs mama lays her eggs. The eggs hatch, and baby caterpillars crop up in the newborn unit of the garden on the milkweed plant, where they feed from Milkweed exclusively.

3. The pupa or chrysalis stage is when the babies are tired of being babies and ready to transform into lovely Monarchs like mama. The caterpillars lose their appetite, and the same digestive juices or enzymes that once helped them digest their meals digest the caterpillar. The caterpillar is liquefied and transforms into the hard outer covering of a chrysalis.

4. The adult butterfly stage, or the transformation stage, is the final stage. The same juices in the chrysalis contain an ingredient

that transforms it into a butterfly.

The problem with planting Milkweed is that Hansel and Gretel, my little wrecking crew, who will destroy the gingerbread house in a bite, will likely chew on Milkweed if I don't find a way to contain it.

Fences aren't enough to contain Milkweed.

The Big Bad Evil Milkweed is toxic to most animals

This variety is tropical but Native, I’m told. This should die back in the winter per the person I spoke to at the Louisiana Nursery.

.

Roadblock #2 Milkweed spreads through rhizomes

A fence will not stave off the growth of Milkweed. Like bamboo, rhizomes spread below ground, and soon, Milkweed could pop up everywhere. If anything, it would tempt my little wrecking crew. The little tufts of flowers could quickly become the doggy equivalent of cotton candy, only it's poisonous.

Ideally, I'd prefer a slow-growing variety of Milkweed that does well in a planter. I can remove the seed pods before they spread via wind or critters. Although my little wrecking crew is familiar with "no," they're pretty stubborn when I'm not making direct eye contact with them

Roadblock #3 Find a slow-growing variety of Millkweed that will withstand being potted.

I started out looking for native Milkweed. Often, people plant colorful ornamental Milkweed, such as Mexican or Tropical Milkweed, instead of the Native varieties. Milkweed isn't a showy plant overall. The problem with tropical or Mexican Milkweed is that because it stays green all year, the harmful protozoan parasites on the plant remain, exposing the Monarch to the parasites. However, a staff member at the nursery where I shop said that thi variety would die back in the winter.

Milkweed varieties often sold in my region

Aquatic Milkweed or Asclepias perennis

Butterfly weed or A. Tuberosa

Common Milkweed or A. Syriathisca

Few flower milkweed A. Lanceolate

Swamp milkweed or A. Incarnate

Whorled milkweed or A. Verticillata.

Although the listed varieties are all considered native to Louisiana, I still need to figure out which variety will thrive in my location and which can withstand a pot. Some have deep taproots that may not like being potbound or drenched in heavy rainfall. I don't foresee moving any of the planters. I can wrap the planters in burlap to protect the exposed roots from winter's chill.

The Louisiana State University's Agriculture Center website tells me that Aquatic Milkweed does not need to be grown in a tub of water. It flourishes in regions on the state's coast. Aquatic Milkweed can also be grown in containers with drainage and elevated beds.

Swamp milkweed spreads slower than other varieties and does well in large, well-draining pots. Immature plants may take a while to bloom. I didn’t see swamp milkweed at the nursery, but I could always make a trip later at a later date to a different nursery.

Feeding the adult Monarchs won't be as much of an issue as planting Milkweed and keeping it out of the mouths of Hansel and Gretel, my little wrecking crew.

Adult Monarchs feed on Nectar from flowers. Nectar contains sugars and other vital nutrients for the butterfly, which are critical for their long journey in winter and reproduction.

Butterflies feed through a proboscis, similar to a straw and a sponge. With the proboscis, they drink and absorb liquid. They also puddle. You'll see them do this in wet sand or mud. They'll extend their proboscis and sip essential minerals.

Not all flowers are compatible with their mouthparts or proboscis. For example, roses produce too little nectar, and the butterfly’s mouthparts don’t fit the blooms. I had my husband move three of the five drift roses to another area in my yard to add to the area’s natural border and kept two because I didn’t want a mudslide in the area, and the coral blooms are pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, I’ m limited to the type and amountof physically demanding tasks that I can perform as of right now. I will say I’m on the mend, however.

I needed something that would tolerate the wet area and anchor the soil in place during the rainy season. One of the nursery’s staff members suggested irises. Why hadn’t I thought of that? I have a ton of deep purple Louisiana Irises. I also have a few walking irises in pots, but I hesitate to put them in the ground. I planted the irises along the fence away from the edge of my pea gravel trail. The Louisiana iris, originating in the swamp areas of the state, will spread through rhizomes and have to be thinned like the butterfly ginger, but aren’t nearly as tough to dig up. I’ve planted them in the flower beds in my front yard and have had no problems relocating the rhizomes. The Louisiana irises are sure to attract more pollinators than butterflies.

Louisiana Iris (Picture taken spring of 2023)

It's better to plant the rhizomes during the Louisiana Iris while it’s dormant, but my transplants should be fine with the coming rain in the forecast.

While at the nursery, I picked up a couple of salvia that I alternated with marigolds. I picked up a few nonnative plants just because the color caught my eye. The cosmos are delightful with feathery leaves. I’ve had euryops pectinatus, or golden daisy shrub, in the bed across from the pool that comes back in spring, so I picked up another for the front of the butterfly garden. With enough nectar sources for the adult butterfly, I selected garden herbs that will go near the milkweed in pots at the back of the fence behind the old dog run. I added .fuzzy looking fennel to a pot sitting behind the dog run. The soil was loose in front of the Irises and the Black-eyed Susans. The rue nestled in front of the tall stalks that now provide a backdrop or shelter from the heat and predators after lunch and, when the vegetation is nibbled away, will feed the hungry caterpillar in their larval stage. Now, provide a backdrop or shelter from the heat and predators after lunch. When the vegetation is nibbled away, I probably won’t bother with a water source right away because the irises are likely to hold water, and the area stays wet in the spring.

Other plants I’ve added are beebalm for the pollinators and Alstroemeria, also called Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas because I can’t resist their charm. A double red jewel-toned zinnia making a striking statement in the butterfly garden was irresistible. For now, the foundation is complete. I’ll probably play with the flowers throughout the season, swap plants to stagger or vary the height of the butterfly garden, meanwhile keeping the Louisiana Irises and Black-Ed Susans right where they are along the fence line as a backdrop.

Nectar producing flowers that will work great in my location

Black-eyed Susan or Rudbeckia hirta

Lantana

Coneflowers or Echinacea spp

Passionflower

Dill

Fennel

Another important note is not to use pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides. Even seemingly innocuous natural products such as Diatomaceous Earth kill butterflies.

In the past, I have used the food-grade version of Diatomaceous Earth (DE). I bought the powder form of silica or fossilized algae from the Earth's crust. DE is thought to sponge up oils and fats and pierce the insect's exoskeleton or hard outer shell, which protects the insect, causing severe dehydration and death. While you'll hear of people using it to lower their cholesterol and strengthen their hair, nails, and skin, it is unsafe for butterflies. I used to apply it frequently to kill the ant piles in my front flower bed that the neighborhood cats and one of my cats often frequent.

I'm sure thousands of homemade remedies are online, but I'm considering adding more herbs. The caterpillars will devour them, so any herbs I plan on keeping, I'll move or divide the roots and replant.

Certain herbs may help repel mosquitoes and even attract butterflies. I have yet to have much luck with herbs repelling mosquitos in my yard, but it could be that I need to plant more or live in south Louisiana, where we joke that the mosquito is our state bird, not the pelican. My yard ends at a wooded lot, where heavy rain accumulates in the thick growth and mosquitoes breed. It's another reason I keep all four dogs indoors.

So far, I've planted Italian or flat-leaf parsley, lemon balm, lemon thyme, marigolds, rosemary, rue, sage (salvia), and Thai basil. Some of my plants have been established in pots for years, particularly the lemon balm and rosemary that didn’t make it because my little wrecking crew tore it to pieces. Thankfully, rosemary is safe and even healthy for dogs. Italian or flat-leaf parsley contains toxins that can cause conditions such as blindness and dermatitis in pups. As for deterring mosquitoes, I’m not sure Louisiana has enough herbs.

The dogs sniff most of the plants in the yard but have learned that the word “no” means to back away from whatever they’re trying to get to. However, they don’t always listen, which is another reason for fencing off toxic plants and the butterfly garden. I’ve fenced the most enticing and poisonous plants in my yard to keep my furry friends safe. The butterfly garden is no exception. I have fencing and a dog run that cordons off the area.

The vibrant colors of the monarch adult butterfly and the caterpillar or larvae are essentially a danger flag to predators. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Website, “most animals will spit them out.”

In the meantime, this is my plan. I’m just starting, waiting for things to bloom, develop, and fill out the butterfly garden. I’ll keep you posted and share pictures as things progress. Spring is only the beginning! Please remember, I’m not an expert but a hobbyist.

If you have hosted Monarchs, please share your insights with me in the comments or on my Facebook page, which is linked below. Tell me what worked or what didn’t work for you. Comments and suggestions aimed at learning and building a community are always welcome.

Follow me on Social Media