Gardening for Butterflies

When starting a butterfly garden, you must first plan and research the plants and butterflies in which you want to attract and encourage butterfly populations. You should select a variety of plants that have nectar so that the butterflies can feed off them. With a wide variety of nectar, you will be sure that the butterflies return. You may want to supplement the flowers with some homemade nectar. One way of doing this is to take a small jar, drill a hole in the lid, stuff it with cotton, and then add some sugar water. To make sugar water, you need only add one part sugar to nine parts water and then add some bright coloring. You will attract not only butterflies but you might even get some hummingbirds. If you do not want to make your own, there are many ready-made containers that you can purchase.

Annuals make great butterfly gardens because they bloom continuously throughout the season. Perennial plants also make great plants because they also provide nectar. Some of the plants you might want to look for are coneflowers, lilac, butterfly weed, asters, bee balm, lavender, and zinnias just to name a few. By planting flowers of the same color grouped together, you will attract the butterflies more easily. Purple, orange, yellow and red flowers are the most popular colors to bring in butterflies.

To have a successful butterfly garden, you must also think about the larva and make sure that there is plenty of food for them to feed on and shelter to lay their eggs. Adding a few shrubs will ensure their shelter. Putting taller flowers at the back of your garden will help in the reduction of wind gusts and assure that the butterflies keep multiplying. After planting your garden, it is now time for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy all that your butterfly garden has to offer.