Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is one of our beautiful native milkweed species, with distinctive clusters of flowers glowing in vibrant shades of orange.

Within this pattern, I invite us to remember that the sky's the limit. To let our hearts' desires and dreams take flight. Like the delicate milkweed seeds, we can send our intentions, loving wishes, and dreams out into the clear blue sky, releasing them into a space of pure positive potential and infinite possibilities. Then let go and see where they might land and take root.

There is so much significance and symbolism woven into this Symmagery pattern that speaks to me.

Fresh, silken-white parachutes carry the seeds into the wind against a brilliant blue sky. At the center, mirrored seeds come together to form heart shapes, revealing another layer of meaning within the pattern.

To me, these hearts speak to the intimate relationships woven throughout the life of milkweed, and the interconnectedness of life itself.

Milkweed is essential to the Monarch butterfly's life cycle, providing nourishment for its caterpillars as well as a remarkable form of protection. As Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed, they take up it’s naturally occurring compounds, which remain within the developing butterfly, making Monarchs distasteful and toxic to many of their bird predators.

There is something especially moving about watching these delicate seeds take flight.

In the school gardens, students and I often blow milkweed seeds into the air, sending our loving wishes along with them:

May the seeds find fertile ground.

May the Monarchs have safe and successful migrations.

May they reach their overwintering grounds in the Oyamel fir forests of Mexico.

And may these beautiful relationships between plants, pollinators, students, and place continue to flourish.

Diversity is not division. It is a cornucopia of expressions of one life force.