MONARCH MANIA - THE BEST LAID PLANS

[Dee & Frank Hughes]

To the list of information we never had and never thought we'd need let's add one more. Milkweed does not like to grow in pots. Back in late spring we contracted with our friends at UNCC Botanical Gardens to grow 225 milkweed plants for our Monarch Mania event. Just a week ago the plants seemed to be doing well and then....
Yesterday as we were making plans to pick up the plants we were informed that they had virtually all gone dormant. This means they have entered their winter, die back state and we essentially have 225 pots of dirt.
Now the folks at UNCC believe the plants have healthy root systems and will, if planted emerge next spring.
But somehow, holding a public event, the centerpiece of which is having our friends and neighbors come help plant the garden; and in return be rewarded with - a little pot of dirt? We just had visions of little Suzie looking at Mommy, a tear in her eye. This was not a pretty mental picture people.
So here's the deal. HAWK is going to plant the little dirt pots. If you'd like to help we'd love to have you. Keep checking back here for the date.
Then next spring, just in time for the northward migrating Monarchs, we'll hold a formal dedication at a fully functional and blooming Monarch Waystation.
If you're interested in buying a little dirt pot that just might turn into Milkweed, I think i know where you can get a deal.