Q: I’m thinking about helping out Monarch Butterflies by adding some of the plants they feed on to my yard. In Central Oregon, where can I purchase local milkweed?

A: In Bend, a company named Wintercreek Restoration & Nursery carries native species milkweed. They are a full service landscape and nursery company working exclusively with native plants of the dry land west. Other companies in the area also carry milkweed, but they may not be a native species.

Q: If I plant native milkweed in my yard, do I need to worry about deer eating these plants?

A: Unfortunately, the deer in our area will eat these plants. So, try to plant them in an area where deer cannot access. If this isn’t possible, try to surround the milkweed with other plants that deer are not attracted to.