SAWS' Spring Bloom is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the water utility's headquarters at 2800 U.S. Hwy. 281 N. at Mulberry Avenue in the front parking lot.
The first 1,000 guests get a drought-tolerant plant, for free, that provides sustenance for adult Monarchs, including John Fanick's phlox, mealy blue sage and blackfoot daisy.
The idea is to help people understand how to develop Monarch-friendly landscapes, which are critical for habitat and food along the migration path. Providing habitat for Monarchs is much needed, as the species' population have been steadily declining, though there are reports from Mexico this year of a population increase.
Here's the Spring Bloom schedule:
9:10 a.m. Attracting Butterflies Year-round with Plants Calvin Finch, Ph.D.There will also be a plant propagation area and a plant sale, courtesy of Bexar County Master Gardeners, Gardening Volunteers of South Texas, San Antonio Botanical Society and the San Antonio Herb Society.
9:50 a.m. Using Texas SuperStarsTM for Butterflies Jerry Parsons, Ph. D.
10:35 a.m. Helpful Hints for Your Monarch Way Station UT-Dallas Sustainability Dept.
11:20 a.m. Monarchs & Milkweed Julian Chavez, UTSA
12:15 p.m. Organic Practices for Butterflies Bob Webster
Don't worry about getting hungry while at the Spring Bloom, either. There will be local food trucks on-hand.
Visitors will also be able to learn about SAWS Landscape and Patioscape coupon offerings. Gardening experts will be available to give advice on best use for water-saving plants. You can learn more about the program at SAWS' website.
