This year, the beautiful monarch butterfly was officially added to the list of endangered species. Pollinators are so essential to our ecosystem that the threat of losing even one species gives us pause for concern. But we can help them.

In the Maryland, Delaware and DC regions, we depend on bees, bats, birds, butterflies, and other beneficial critters for pollination. But our precious monarchs are in particular trouble from loss of their habitat, climate change, pesticides and deforestation, to name a few.

A Special Offer for Mid-Atlantic Gardeners

Our human race can’t really survive without pollinators of all kinds. The decline of the monarch is a clear warning to us, but we can support their survival by growing the plants they need for fuel.

Big garden centers and non-local growers often sell non-native plants that aren’t necessarily compatible with your local pollinators or the important monarchs. Purchasing your region’s native pollinator plants assures you that they’re right ones for your area’s pollinators, that they’re native plants, and that your timing is right.

So here’s our new offer:

We are joining forces with Homestead Gardens, the Mid-Atlantic's premier independent garden center, to help as many gardeners as possible create monarch waystations and pollinator gardens. For a limited time, any pollinator plant purchase at Homestead Gardens will get you free access to Gardening Know How’s Create A Butterfly Garden course.

Learn all you need to know about how to attract, feed and support our treasured monarch butterflies in this fascinating course, hosted by the Thoughtful Gardener, Heather Andrews, a certified butterfly expert who is renowned for her expertise with butterfly and pollinator gardening. In this course Heather will show you how to grow the best plants for monarchs and how to build a fueling station for them as they progress in their phenomenal migrations each year.

Save the Monarchs with Homestead Gardens

We want you to know that Homestead Gardens is just as committed to monarch butterflies as you are! If your goal is to provide food for our beloved monarchs during their migration, Homestead Gardens has you covered. Entire sections of their stores feature special “Pollinator Cafes,” dedicated to pollinator plants tailored specifically to the Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, DC region.

While you're at it, check out Homestead Gardens’ Rewards Program to stay in the know on all of their deals. Signing up for the Garden Rewards program is free and easy, only requires a valid email address, and will allow you to take advantage of this great offer.

Finding the Perfect Plants for Monarchs and Other Pollinators

If you want to purchase the perfect pollinator plants, get free access to Gardening Know How’s Create a Butterfly Garden course, and help support the survival of the endangered monarch butterfly, here are some ideal options for the Mid-Atlantic region:

• Echinacea
• Coreopsis
• Foamflower
• Black-eyed Susan
• Hyssop
• Milkweed

So what are you waiting for? Go to Homestead Gardens today to purchase your pollinator plants, get our free course, and help save the endangered monarch butterflies.

The above article was sponsored by Homestead Gardens. The information contained in this article may contain ads or advertorial opinions.