Of Monarchs and Milkweed

How do we classify the latest offering from Baton Rouge’s Garden District Nursery? Unsurprisingly, it’s a plant. But what else? “It’s a cool little ‘not computer game’ gift,” offered owner Gordon Mese.

Specifically, it’s milkweed, an herbaceous perennial and the larval food source for monarch butterflies. Starting at the beginning of November, the nursery will be selling a variety of milkweed (boasting a “lantana-esque bloom,” according to Mese) in an eight-inch clay pot with a net secured over the plant … and, hitching a ride on each milkweed plant, a couple of caterpillars munching their way to maturity.

“They’ll be about three-quarters grown when you take them home,” said Mese, estimating about a week until the caterpillar forms its chrysalis. Here the net reveals additional benefits—not only does it keep the caterpillars inside and the predators away, but the gauzy covering provides an engaging view of the metamorphosis. “And since they can’t get away,” said Mese, “they generally form their chrysalis at the top of the screen.”

Two weeks after the caterpillar curls away, a butterfly peeks out.

The nursery delivered an early test kit to a local kindergarten class, where it garnered rapturous reviews from kids and parents alike. The kits cost $25 apiece and also serve the noble purpose of nurturing a dwindling population. Pick yours up at 2544 Government Street, while supplies (and fair weather) last.