Here is a secret for you, I have very little gardening talent. The seeds and plants that find their way into my yard quickly learn it is a ‘survival of the fittest' environment. I always plants with the best of intentions, but life always seems to get in the way. Did I water today? Can it wait until tomorrow? I just don't have time now! And when seedlings do not survive, I have the bad habit of reusing planters, soil and all. Normally this is not an issue, unless I am growing something new, something I will not recognize, from seed.

Here is my cautionary tale…recently we have all heard about the plight of the Monarch Butterfly. Loss of habitat and increased use of chemicals and pesticides are causing a dramatic reduction in the numbers of these majestic creatures. I decided I would plant some milkweed. I ordered two varieties from my favorite seed company, Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnate and Butterfly Milkweed, Asclepias tuberlosa. I picked up a planter of failed seedlings, soil and all, and planted both varieties of seeds waiting anxiously for my milkweed to appear, and it did (Or so I thought!).
Take a look at my beautiful milkweed!