As spring approaches and daylight stretches a little longer, March 12 marks a special occasion for nature lovers across the country — National Plant a Flower Day. More than just a celebration of spring blooms, this day offers an important opportunity to support struggling pollinators like the eastern monarch butterfly.
With warmer weather, singing birds, and the first signs of blossoms in the air, many gardeners are ready to head outside. But beyond adding beauty to backyards, planting flowers can help restore vital habitats for creatures critical to our ecosystem.
Why Planting Flowers Now Matters
Pollinators — such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies — rely on native plants to survive. These species play a vital role in growing the food we eat and keeping natural systems healthy. But in recent years, their populations have seen steep declines due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
The eastern monarch butterfly, once a common sight across North America, is now facing serious threats. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the monarch’s winter habitat in Mexico shrank by 59% during the 2023–2024 season, with colonies covering only 2.2 acres of forest, the second-lowest on record.
“This is not the first time we’ve observed changes in the locations of the largest monarch colonies,” said Jorge Rickards, general director of WWF Mexico, expressing concern over the butterfly’s decreasing numbers.
A Glimpse of Hope: Population Rebounds in 2025
Fortunately, there is some good news. A recent WWF report shows the monarch population nearly doubled in 2025, covering 4.42 acres of forest during the winter season — a marked improvement from the year before.
Still, experts warn that this is far from the monarch’s historical levels. In the winter of 1996–1997, these butterflies occupied nearly 45 acres, more than ten times the current space.
“While monarchs occupied nearly twice as much forest habitat as last year, populations remain far below the long-term average,” the WWF stated in its March 6 report.
How You Can Help: Start a Pollinator Garden
The good news is, anyone can help, whether you live on a farm, in the suburbs, or in a city apartment. All you need is a little dirt, a few pots, and the right seeds.
“Most of the country falls in the monarch migratory pattern range,” said Deborah Seiler, communications director at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. “It’s a species where almost everyone has an opportunity to help.”
One of the best ways to support monarchs is to create a pollinator garden. This type of garden uses native wildflowers and milkweed — the only plant monarch caterpillars eat — to provide a steady food source for pollinators all season long.
The Nature Conservancy suggests planting a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of year. This ensures a consistent supply of nectar for butterflies, bees, and other helpful creatures.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Region
Not sure what to plant? The Xerces Society offers regional planting guides that show which flowers thrive in your area and when they bloom.
For example, in Florida, native plants like scorpion-tail and seaside goldenrod grow all year long. These flowers are tough — they thrive in sandy soil and tolerate saltwater — but they’re also rich in nectar, making them ideal for supporting monarchs year-round.
In contrast, southeastern states may only see monarchs during certain seasons: April to July and again from August to November. That’s why having flowers in bloom throughout these windows is so important.
It Starts With One Flower
National Plant a Flower Day is more than a gardening holiday. It’s a chance to take action — one flower at a time — and help protect pollinators for generations to come.
By choosing native plants and dedicating a small patch of your garden or balcony to butterflies and bees, you’re not just planting a flower. You’re planting hope.
