Most of us may automatically think “monarch” after hearing the word “milkweed,” or vice versa. And that's in fact a critical and intimate relationship, the one between monarch butterflies and native milkweed plants.
But the genus Asclepias offers sustenance to a wide diversity of animal species beyond just that one beloved insect.
Today's guest is Eric Lee-Mader, author of the recent book “Milkweed Lands: An Epic Story of One Plant: Its Nature and Ecology.” Eric is an ecologist at the invertebrate-focused Xerces Society, where he is the pollinator and agricultural biodiversity co-director. He and his wife also operate Northwest Meadowscapes in Port Townsend, Wash., providing regional native seeds and consultation services for meadowmakers.
I for one have a number of houseplants that would look a whole lot better right now if given a pinch or two or...
A new book I’m reading emphasizes the word watching in the expression bird watching. As in: Don’t be in such a hurry to merely...
Jane Hurwitz says that her mission is simply this: to get more of us to garden with butterflies in mind. I suspect that sounds...
