Plant a Flower, Save a Monarch: It’s National Plant a Flower Day!

Spring is practically here, and with it comes a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference in the world around us. March 12th marks National Plant a Flower Day, the perfect excuse to step outside, soak up the warming sunlight, and engage in an activity that benefits not only your garden but also the delicate balance of our ecosystem: planting flowers! This year, consider planting flowers that specifically cater to pollinators, especially the endangered eastern monarch butterfly, a creature whose survival depends on our collective action.

The days are getting longer thanks to Daylight Saving Time, the sun is shining brighter, and the air is filled with the cheerful songs of returning birds. It’s time to dust off your gardening tools, grab a packet of native wildflower seeds, and prepare your garden to become a haven for these vital pollinators. But you might be wondering, is it too early to start planting? The answer largely depends on where you live, but the good news is there are resources available to guide you.

Before you even break ground, understanding the importance of native plants is key. Native flowers and plants are the cornerstone of healthy local ecosystems, providing essential resources for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. These hard-working creatures play a critical role in our food supply, as they are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the crops we rely on.

Unfortunately, pollinator populations are facing a serious crisis. Factors like habitat loss, climate change, and, most notably, the widespread use of pesticides have contributed to a dramatic decline in their numbers. The eastern monarch butterfly serves as a poignant example of this struggle.

The monarch butterfly population has been teetering on the brink. A recent survey from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) revealed concerning trends. In 2024, the eastern monarch butterfly population reached its second-lowest level on record. While overwintering in Mexico during the 2023-2024 season, the butterflies occupied only 2.2 acres of regional forests. This represents a staggering 59% decrease compared to the 5.5 acres they inhabited the previous year.

"Fewer monarchs hibernating in their traditional forest habitat in Mexico greatly concerns all of us," stated Jorge Rickards, general director of WWF Mexico. He also noted that shifts in the location of the largest monarch colonies have been observed previously.

However, there’s good news on the horizon. A report released on March 6, 2025, showed a remarkable recovery. The monarch population nearly doubled, occupying 4.42 acres in Mexico’s forests. While this is a significant step in the right direction, it’s crucial to remember that the eastern monarch population is still far from its historical levels.

"While monarchs occupied nearly twice as much forest habitat as last year, populations remain far below the long-term average," the WWF stated.

To illustrate the severity of the situation, consider this: during the winter of 1996-1997, the butterflies occupied an astounding 44.95 acres of forest – more than ten times the amount they occupy today. This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.

The good news is that we can all play a part in helping these magnificent creatures recover. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to make a difference; all you need is some dirt, seeds, and a few pots.

"Most of the country falls in the monarch migratory pattern range," explained Deborah Seiler, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation’s communications director. "It’s a species where almost everyone has an opportunity to help."

One of the most effective actions you can take is to create a pollinator garden, according to The Nature Conservancy. By planting milkweed and native wildflowers, you create a "smorgasbord" of delectable treats for a variety of pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and other butterflies. However, milkweed is particularly crucial for monarch butterflies, as it is the only plant their caterpillars will eat.

Think of it as an all-you-can-eat buffet of nectar that will support these delicate butterflies as they undertake their perilous journey to and from Mexico’s forests. This is why National Plant a Flower Day is such an important opportunity to contribute to their survival.

While monarch caterpillars have a very specific diet, adult monarch butterflies are more flexible. To maximize the benefits for these migrating insects, it’s essential to choose the right flowers and understand when they bloom in your region.

The Xerces Society offers a comprehensive guide on its website, providing detailed information on which flowers to plant and their blooming periods based on your specific geographical location. The key is to create a well-rounded garden that offers a continuous supply of nectar throughout the monarch’s migration season.

For example, in Florida, plants like scorpion-tail and seaside goldenrod bloom year-round. Seaside goldenrod is particularly well-suited to the state’s environment, as it can tolerate sandy soils and saltwater spray. It also serves as an important nectar source for migrating monarchs.

This is particularly important because Florida sees monarchs throughout the entire year. In contrast, states in the Southeast region only see the bugs from April to July and then from August to November, therefore, flowering plants that bloom during those months are ideal.

By carefully selecting plants that thrive in your region and bloom during the monarch’s migration periods, you can create a garden that consistently provides these butterflies with the nourishment they need to survive.

So, this National Plant a Flower Day, let’s embrace the opportunity to connect with nature and make a tangible difference in the lives of these incredible pollinators. Grab your seeds, get your hands dirty, and help restore the monarch butterfly population, one flower at a time. Your garden can be more than just a beautiful space; it can be a vital haven for these magnificent creatures.