Butterfly gardens support the life cycle of butterflies, from egg to adult. They're crucial for pollination and add beauty to our gardens.
To encourage butterflies, provide nectar plants for adults and host plants for larvae. Wild plants like milkweed, thistle, and willow are great choices.
Milkweed is the only food for monarch caterpillars. Planting it can help reverse the decline in monarch populations due to pesticide use.
Flowers with multiple tiny blossoms or a tubular shape are best. Yarrow, lilacs, phlox, daisies, and zinnias are all excellent choices.
Butterflies are attracted to heavily perfumed flowers. Plant strong-scented, old-fashioned flowers to lure them to your garden.
A mud puddle or a dish of water provides hydration. A flat rock or sponge in a birdbath offers a place for butterflies to perch and sun.
To protect butterflies, avoid using chemical pesticides or herbicides. Sharing a bit of your garden with caterpillars is a small price for the joy of watching butterflies.