Butterflies are beautiful creatures that can brighten up almost anyone’s day. They are fun to watch as they flutter around in your garden. You can do a few things to create an environment that is perfect for them and in this blog post, I will discuss a few ideas that I have done to create a butterfly-friendly garden.
What is butterfly gardening?
Butterfly gardening is creating a garden that provides food, water, and shelter, and in return, you get the enjoyment of watching these beautiful creatures up close as they flit about your flowers and gardens. You can create a butterfly-friendly environment in any size space, from a small patio container garden to a large backyard.
By planting the right flowers and providing other necessary elements, you can attract all sorts of butterflies to your outdoor space.
Here are some tips on how to get started
1. Learn about the different types of butterflies and what plants they like to feed on.
There are approximately 20,000 species of butterfly found throughout the world, with many more still awaiting discovery. They can be divided into two main groups – the true butterflies (family Papilionidae) and the skippers (family Hesperiidae). Butterflies are distinguished from moths by their larger size, brighter colors, and habit of flying. The larvae (caterpillars) of both moths and butterflies feed on a wide variety of plants, but each family has its own preferred host plant or plants. For example, the small copper butterfly lays its eggs on common sorrel, while the caterpillars of the painted lady feed on thistles. By carefully selecting the right plants for your garden, you can attract a wide variety of butterflies that will add color and life to your outdoor space.
2. Choose plants that will provide food for butterflies throughout the seasons.
I always think that one of the most important things to consider when choosing plants for the garden is what will provide food for butterflies throughout the seasons. We often think of these creatures as delicate, but in fact, they are incredibly hardy and will overwinter if they have the right food sources. I like to include a mix of native wildflowers, such as Clovers, and nectar-rich borders, full of Lavender, Buddleja, and Verbena Bonariensis. This provides a rich source of nectar from spring right through to autumn. I also make sure to include some larval food plants, such as Fennel, Dill, and Marjoram, which will provide essential sustenance for caterpillars. By providing for butterflies in this way, we can ensure that our gardens are rich and vibrant ecosystems that support a wide variety of wildlife.
3. Create a sheltered space for butterflies to rest and hide from predators.
A butterfly garden is not only a beautiful addition to your home, but it can also provide a valuable refuge for these delicate creatures. Create a sheltered space with plenty of hiding places, giving the butterflies a safe haven from predators. By providing a few simple comforts, you can create a flourishing habitat for butterflies right in your own backyard.
4. Provide a source of water for the butterflies to drink.
A butterfly needs to drink just like any other living creature, and nectar isn’t the only liquid they consume. They will also drink water from damp patches of ground, puddles, and even mud! Provide them with a good water source. A shallow dish filled with sand and a little water is ideal, as the sand will act as a landing pad and stop them from getting too wet. Add a few pebbles or stones to the dish, as these will provide perches for them to rest on while they drink. Be sure and change the water frequently and keep it clean. I sometimes fill the feeders with a solution of sugar water and place it in a sunny spot. Then, add some of their favorite plants from the list above. With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with regular visits from these lovely creatures.
5. Place your garden in a sunny spot where the butterflies will be able to warm up on cool days.
A sunny spot in the garden is not only a lovely place to sit and enjoy the day, but it’s also an important refuge for butterflies. On cool days, they need a place where they can warm up and reenergize before they can continue on with their journey. By providing them with a sunny spot, you’re not only helping them out, but you’re also ensuring that your garden is full of beautiful flying visitors. So next time you’re planning your garden, be sure to include a sunny spot for them.
Some of the best plants to grow if you want to attract butterflies to your garden are:
Milkweed, purple coneflower, honeysuckle, Yellow Sage, day lilies, lavender, daisies, butterfly weed, Joe-Pye weed, aster, and black-eyed Susan to name a few.
Do a little research to find what species of butterflies live in your area and what plants they’re attracted to. You can find this information on many websites.
Until next time, Happy butterfly gardening!
Do you have any tips on how to attract butterflies to your garden? Share them with us in the comments below!
