Be A Good Host

Butterfly Gardens are a wonderful way to relax and enjoy nature. But to do this you must be a good host - yes, a good host. And it starts with the plants that will attract caterpillars. Different species of caterpillar feed on different hosts (plants). And in order to draw beautiful butterflies to your garden, you must first know what species of butterflies can be drawn to your backyard. Much like plants and birds, butterflies also have zones or regions in which they can live. Once you decide on the specie of butterflies you want to attract to your garden, you then must cross reference them to their prier form as a caterpillar. Each species of caterpillar feeds on different hosts, so it is important that you supply the right host for that particular species of caterpillar.

For example, the American Lady butterfly is found in Lee County, Iowa. In caterpillar form, the host is in the sunflower family everlasting, pearly everlasting, and ironweed, just to name a few. You would want the host planted near or around your butterfly garden. Now remember, the caterpillar will do some major chewing on that host, so you may want to place that host in a corner out of view. Remember why you have that planting; try not to get the urge to spray with chemicals of any nature.

After you’ve decided on the species of butterflies you want to attract to your garden and you have chosen the plantings that will host their caterpillars, now you need to be thinking about adult feeding. It’s just as important to have the correct food source once the caterpillars have become butterflies. Let’s use the American Lady as an example once again; Dogbane, aster and marigold, just to name a few, are excellent food sources. Not only will they provide your garden with beautiful color and texture, but they will attract butterflies to your garden for months, while you sit relaxing and enjoying nature's show.