Plant nectar flowers in masses, not in single plants, to optimize colors and scent and to minimize weeds.
Place dark stones in your garden. They provide a spot where adult butterflies can bask in the sun and warm their bodies.
Use colorful plants, especially blues, purples, yellows, pinks with single flowers, to attract butterflies.
Choose a sunny location that is sheltered from the wind by trees, shrubs or a building. However, be sure the garden is in a location that will get at least six hours of sun a day.
Butterfly Plant Tips
Grow plants that nurture all stages of the butterfly life cycle from caterpillar to adult butterfly.
Remember host plants that nurture butterfly larvae are often weeds, wildflowers, shrubs and trees native to the area. Nectar flowers provide a source of food for adult butterflies.
Select a number of plant varieties so the garden is in bloom all season long. Mix annuals and perennials for optimal effect.
Choose flowers that provide a feeding platform. Butterflies must stand on their food.
Water
Provide a bucket of wet sand or a small mud puddle near your garden. Mud puddles are important for male butterflies as a source of amino acids and salt.
Reasons for Butterfly Gardening
According to one butterfly expert, the following are great reasons to begin butterfly gardening:
Enjoy the challenge of luring butterflies to your yard
Use and expand your gardening skills to create a unique design for a butterfly garden.
Enhance the local population of selected butterfly species.
Help preserve the species and its habitats.
Do something different from your neighbors!
From the paper, "An Introduction to Butterfly Gardening," by Mark S. Rzoszotarski, Ph.D., Ohio Lepidopterists.
Miscellaneous
By following a few simple tips, your butterfly garden can be beautiful throughout the entire summer.
Work in your garden on a regular basis to stay ahead of the weeds. Also, use a mulch.
Do not use any form of insecticides or stay or herbicides. Butterflies are very sensitive to any form of pesticide.
Consider using winter months to read, research and learn about and the plants that will attract butterflies to your garden. Also, use the winter months to grow plants indoors.
Happy Gardening!
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8793 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati OH 45242
Garden Store: 513-891-9035
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