Group the same plants in drifts of 3-5 so that butterflies can more easily spot the larger swaths of color. Pavement, rocks, or exposed soil will absorb heat, providing additional warmth. Make sure there’s a spot where sunlight hits early in the day so butterflies can warm up quickly. Locate your butterfly garden in a part of your yard that receives at least 6 hours of sun each day. Butterflies are cold-blooded insects that will be less active on colder mornings. Place in a visible spot and change water frequently. Set out a birdbath or plant saucer filled with water and rocks where butterflies can perch. Shallow puddles or moist sandy areas, which are preferred water sources for butterflies, also provide salts and essential minerals. Another source of shelter is a log pile, which can be hidden out of sight in a secluded corner of the yard. These plants will also give places for butterflies to roost at night or hide from predators. To protect butterflies, site trees and shrubs where they will provide a windbreak and a place out of the rain. (Get the kids involved with this DIY butterfly feeder.)ĭIY butterfly feeder. Butterfly larvae have chewing mouth parts and feed on leafy food plants such as milkweed foliage, parsley, and fennel. In addition to flower nectar, they also consume tree sap, pollen, fallen fruit, and animal dung. They drink through a long tubular tongue that uncoils to sip liquid. Adult butterflies rely solely on liquid food sources. Choose a suitable area of your yard and draw a rough sketch that includes the basic components that butterflies need. Make a list of plants that will support those particular butterflies. Determine which species you want to attract and are most likely to be in your area. By providing the basics of shelter, water, and food-including butterfly-friendly plants-butterflies have a greater chance of thriving and reproducing. How to Select Butterfly-Friendly PlantsĬreating a hospitable environment will entice butterflies to stay around long enough to lay eggs for a new generation.7 Steps to a Beautiful Butterfly Garden.Here are some tips to help you create a successful butterfly garden. Homeowners can help support these beneficial insects by creating a butterfly sanctuary in their yards. In recent years, butterfly habitat has been significantly reduced due to property development and large-scale farming, resulting in dwindling populations. Aside from the aesthetic pleasure of watching a variety of butterflies flutter from flower to flower in search of nectar, these beautiful winged insects are an integral part of the ecosystem, playing an essential role in plant pollination. As one of nature’s most endearing creatures, there is something magical about butterflies visiting the garden.
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