15-22 October 2018
Our Monarch Butterfly is under threat and this National Gardening Week Kiwis are being called upon to plant butterfly
friendly plants to help save the caterpillars when they hatch in Spring and Summer and provide nectar for butterflies.
Last year saw a national shortage of Swan plants, the main diet of Monarch caterpillars causing a large number of the
population to be wiped out.
Yates is getting behind the drive to avert a similar crisis this year by giving away various free butterfly friendly
seeds including Yates new Butterfly Field Mix seeds between 1st and 14th October. Just register online during this time
to receive your packet of seeds. www.yates.co.nz/nationalgardeningweek.
A national planting day will be held on 20th October. Plant a Swan plant or other butterfly friendly plants in your
garden, in your neighbour’s garden, at school, in your local community garden – and let’s help Monarch butterflies
flourish.
National Gardening Week aims to foster a love of gardening with a focus on growing not only plants but friendships, good
health, strong communities and closer connections with nature. Whether it’s a few pots on the balcony, a small patch or
an extensive garden, everyone can experience the joy of gardening.
Watch out for details of the Yates Budding Young Gardener competition – a national search to discover some of our best
young gardeners. The winner will be announced during National Gardening Week.
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