When i was bringing plants in I found this chrysalis on one of my orchids. i took it n the house thinking it would hatch in a couple of days but the cool weather had slowed it down and I forgot about it. Then the other day I saw this on that orchid! I was not sure just what to do about it, I was afraid it was too late to just release it so I contacted the people at monarch watch. they told me I could let it go and take its chances or just keep it. Their natural lifespan is 2 to 6 weeks. I thought about it a lot, the wind has been really strong out of the south and there are not many nectar plants left. Finally I decided to just keep it, it now lives in my downstairs bathroom. I have brought in a lot of blooming plants and also mixed up some butterfly nectar for it. keeping one like this is a real education. I just wish it had a mate.
My name is Pat and I have been gardening most of my life. My husband Richard helps out with the heavy stuff. I love butterflies and have a Monarch Waystation. I also love animals and have cats, dogs, horses, angora goats, chickens and guineas.