If your idea of paradise involves a lush meadow covered in butterflies and wildflowers, your dream might be closer than you think. 

One Reddit user shared videos of a veritable paradise: Monarch butterflies grazing lazily on hundreds of blossoming native plants as they rest on their long migration.

"Yesterday was a magical day," the author of the post wrote. "I get to work amongst this all week!"

Yesterday was a magical day
byu/Master-Credit-7255 inbutterfly

(click here to watch the video if the embed does not appear)

Monarch butterflies are one of North America's most iconic pollinators, known for their striking, easily recognizable orange-and-black stained-glass wings and their long annual migration from Canada to Mexico. 

But this journey is perilous, and Monarch populations have suffered from habitat loss, pesticide use, and the disappearance of native plants, especially milkweed, which is the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. 

Without native milkweed and nectar-producing wildflowers along their migration route, Monarchs won't survive the journey.

Monarchs aren't the only benefactors of strong networks of native plants. Native plants form the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They've evolved symbiotically with local insects, birds, and animals over thousands of years, creating intricate food webs and mutualistic relationships. 

When we replace native species with lawns or exotic plants, we strip away this essential support system. Insects can't eat foreign plants, birds lose their food sources, and pollinators such as bees and butterflies struggle to find nourishment.

Beyond supporting wildlife, native plants also benefit us. Besides providing stunning outdoor landscaping, as shown in the Reddit post, they require less water, no fertilizer, and minimal maintenance. Their deep roots prevent erosion and improve soil health. And they're naturally adapted to your local climate, making them more resilient throughout the seasons.

Incorporating native plants into your yard doesn't have to mean letting it go wild, though that's also a way to do it. Instead, you can start small. Replace part of your lawn with a native flower bed, add milkweed to your garden, or plant a hedgerow of native shrubs. Even a few square feet of habitat can make a difference. With a little effort, you can turn your own yard into a paradise for residents, both human and not. 

What's your preferred style of yard? Nicely cut grass 😎 Wild grasses and flowers 🌼 Xeriscaping 🌵 Fake grass 🤷 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"My wife would never leave your flower garden willingly," the top comment read.

One commenter mentioned the value of these sightings for local conservation centers, urging the poster to share their findings: "That yard is a great refueling station!"

"I would never leave," another said. 

One commenter summarized it perfectly: "This looks like paradise."

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