More than enough milkweed! The attached pictures show only two of several groupings of common milkweed in my backyard in the alley behind my house. In the four years I have planted milkweed, it has spread tremendously. In fact, by next spring I will do some thinning.
Finally, today on June 12, I saw monarch butterflies visiting the milkweed. I really should get used to it, because even though monarchs are seen in my central Illinois area as early as late May, living toward the center of the city of Springfield Illinois, I never see any before mid-June. By then, milkweed is proliferating and reproducing wildly.
By the way, the two small white boxes on the left side of the "garage picture" contain honeybees that belong to my neighbor.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Good for you, and welcome to a wonderful journey thru butterfly gardening 
It's so important for everyone of us to do something for the declining Monarch population. Thank you for your generosity.
For those opposed to or repulsed by the looks and behavior of Common Milkweed and some others, there are "face men" like Butterfly Weed and Swamp Milkweed which do not spread underground and are more appealing to the average gardener.
Tell a friend. Involve neighbors. Family, too.
We have got to go pesticide free and bring back pollinators and other important and remarkable Arthropods.
Leafhead
Level 8
June 13, 2018
1
Do the bees ever give you any trouble? Can you walk on that space without the bees becoming aggressive? I would like to have a small hive like this, but I am worried about liability issues.
CraeftSmith
Level 7
June 12, 2018
2
The bees give me no problems at all, even when they are swarming around their hive or pollinating on flowers in my yard. They are small honeybees and seem to live by the "live and let live" code.
I do not know about liability issues. There are regulations governing beekeeping in Springfield Illinois where I live. More and more people are raising bees, so I'm pretty sure that liability is not an issue if they are legal to raise where you live and you follow the established procedures. That is just my personal opinion, not backed by legal research ?
The honey bee is a very passive creature. Left undisturbed it is only interested in foraging. Althought the hybridized bee with African DNA is aggressive Securing a queen from reputable sources would make this a moot point. Honey bees are a delightful hobby. My neighbor has 5 hives & I have bees everywhere. A spectacular addition to the pollinators sustained by my prairie. I have never understood why people think bees sting for no reason.
@Countrywoman @MikeEC this is what everyone says, but I remember being driven out of the back yard by bees on my neighbor's property when I was a kid. I already know that bees will get angry if you are too close, even if you are oblivious to them (which I was). I am trying to find out what that limit is
@CraeftSmith you are correct. Some types of bees are very aggressive and will swarm. Unfortunately, people (and pets) have been killed by swarming bees. Ground bees are notoriously aggressive. Neighbors dog was killed when it dug up a nest. I discovered a nest in my backyard last year, exterminated them, and covered the area with landscape fabric and rock.
It is important to recognize that there is a difference. Honeybees are very passive, but under some circumstances will sting.
@MikeEC indeed. I am referring to honeybees that were in three Langston hives at the property line. This was in Indiana, so not too much chance of hybridization
That's cool. I'll have some by next year. Promise!
AstralSmoke
Level 8
June 12, 2018
1
I can help make that happen if you would like. This fall, I will have dozens of milkweed pods full of hundreds of milkweed seeds. Anyone who wants to give me his or her address will receive a minimum of 100 common milkweed seeds. The best time for me to mail them so that you can either start them in pots or directly in the ground will be March of next year.
I will post this offer again in the fall.
@MikeEC That would be great. I’ve received two types of seeds that are in the fridge for another two weeks, then should be ready to sprout. There are three other types that are native to here. I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it.
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Posted by TerriCitySulpher butterfly from caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly.
Posted by TerriCitySulpher butterfly from caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly.
Posted by TerriCitySulpher butterfly from caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly.
Posted by TerriCitySulpher butterfly from caterpillar to pupa to adult butterfly.
Posted by LeafheadAsclepias sullivantii, the Sullivant's Prairie Milkweed. Taken at a way station in Middleton, WI
Posted by LeafheadCeropegia woodii Hoya carnosa Both plants bloom at night and attract lots of cool moths
Posted by LeafheadCeropegia woodii Hoya carnosa Both plants bloom at night and attract lots of cool moths
Posted by DAB456What kind is this? I think I know, but would like another opinion.
Posted by bigpawbulletsNot sure what these guys are. But suddenly we seem to be getting a few of them in the "Habitat":
Posted by bigpawbulletsSilly meme. But an attractive butterfly. Photoshopped or real?
Posted by MikeECI posted this earlier In the Gardeners group, but had actually intended to post it here. Those of you who are members of both groups get to see it twice ?
Posted by MikeECI posted this earlier In the Gardeners group, but had actually intended to post it here. Those of you who are members of both groups get to see it twice ?
Posted by LeafheadMy latest visitor to the feeder, a Hackberry Emperor
Posted by MikeECI managed to overwinter three Eastern black swallowtail chrysalises in my unheated garage and released them about a month ago.
Posted by MikeECI managed to overwinter three Eastern black swallowtail chrysalises in my unheated garage and released them about a month ago.
Posted by MikeECI managed to overwinter three Eastern black swallowtail chrysalises in my unheated garage and released them about a month ago.