Butterfly Gardens

In creating a butterfly garden, you must provide a suitable habitat for the entire growing season. The butterfly garden should include:

• host plants for the larvae
• nectar plants for the adults
• water
• shelter from predators and weather
• an open area where butterflies can bask in the sun (this is an absolute necessity)
• NO INSECTICIDES of any kind

It is important that the habitat is provided on a consistent basis, so it is stable and predictable. For example, there must always be nectar plants flowering if you want butterflies to stay in your garden.

Butterflies lay their eggs on plants that will become food for the growing larvae. Each species of butterfly requires specific plants for their larvae to feed on. The Monarch larvae, for instance, feed on milkweed. Black Swallowtail larvae eat parsley or dill.

Adult butterflies feed on nectar from many different types of flowers. Because they sit on the flower while they sip nectar, adults prefer plants with closely packed clusters of flowers, such as lilacs and yarrow, or composites like daisies or zinnias. They are more likely to visit flowers in the sun rather than the shade, and fragrant flowers rather than those without a scent.

An area of moist sand or a mud puddle where butterflies can get moisture and minerals is a favorite congregating spot.

Butterflies are cold-blooded and only fly when temperatures are 60 degrees or above. On cool, cloudy, or rainy days they need a place to roost. Shrubs, tall grasses or log piles provide suitable roosting places. A cluster of flat rocks in a sheltered area of the garden will serve as a basking place to warm them up on sunny days.

Plan to vary the height of plants to suit the feeding habits of various butterflies. Also, leave an open area where they can fly protected from gusty winds. Remember that insecticides can kill butterflies and their larvae. Do not use them in your butterfly garden, and be aware that insecticides can drift into your butterfly garden from lawns and vegetable gardens.