That afternoon, the monarchs were three feet away, and I had been walking past them for years. 

It’s officially butterfly season.

In the sunshine, their wings shimmer and shine with joyful color.

There is much more to a monarch. These are the basic moving parts.

This is what I know about native milkweed.

It sounds simple enough, and I just found that out.

After the new year, their migration begins

I have tried but cannot wish butterflies into the garden. Meanwhile, it’s a beautiful day. 

The garden has been put together as a way-station for migrating monarchs and an open-air studio where I could photograph them.

This monarch seemed to know the assignment. 

I was running out of daylight and halfway finished with my self-assigned spots and no spots assignment. 

Then it flew up, circled, and returned to the same flower.

This monarch looks brand new, and those wings want to fly.

We all took our time and enjoyed a summertime afternoon.