Monarch butterflies
Hi. I'm wondering if other members have noticed a dramatic decline in the number of monarch butterflies?
A friend living in the Akina area has several swan plants which this time last year were being ravenously devoured by caterpillars. This year, however, the meter-tall plants are virtually untouched. I have not noticed any monarchs in my own nearby garden. This afternoon I spoke to an assistant at a local garden centre who mentioned a similar absence of monarchs in her garden in Havelock North.
If other people have observed a similar decline I would be interested in any theories as to a possible cause. I see very few wasps - certainly no more than last year. The surrounding vegetation does not appear to have changed. Certainly we have had an unusual spell of wet weather, but I am still not seeing the butterflies on our relatively few sunny days. As far as I know, I live several kilometers away from any commercial crop spraying (my understanding is that orchardists are using fewer toxic sprays each year, not more).
Any thoughts appreciated.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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