Building a butterfly friendly garden
April 20th, 2007
If you’ve got an eye for beauty then you’ll appreciate butterflies. Vivid in colour and full of life, these insects are a pleasure to behold. However, many species of butterflies have become exstinct as humans have threatened their food and living space.
The good news is that you can help protect them and even increase their numbers by making a butterfly garden. Butterfly garden landscaping works by growing plants that attract butterflies. Done correctly, this kind of garden can be paradise for insect wildlife.
The first thing to do when thinking out or designing your butterfly garden is to locate a sunny spot in the garden. Butterflies need the warmth from the sun so that their wing muscles will work efficiently. In fact, if you observe butterflies carefully you can usually see them stretch their wings out in the sun, warming up enough to fly. It is also important for the garden to be in an area that is clear of strong winds; butterflies do not like strong winds and will avoid gusty places.
You next need to think about the best plants to use. There are four factors to keep in mind when making the selection.
First, they should be scented and brightly coloured. Butterflies are attracted to strong fragrances and bright colours.
Secondly, the plants should produce nectar, as nectar is a butterfly’s staple food. These days, plants that produce nectar are easy to grow. Planting different varieties of nectar producing flowers will attract even more species. This helps due to the fact that some species are particular about the kind of nectar they consume.
Thirdly, select flowering plants that will bloom at different times during a season. This will ensure that your garden always has attractive and colourful butterflies visiting it. Moreover, it provides a steady supply of food for the different species of butterflies.
Fourthly, your garden should have an abundance of host plants for the butterflies to lay their eggs on. The best host plants are the leafy ones where they can be a source of shelter and food for both larvae and caterpillars.
Providing an area with a rocky ledge is also a good idea for an effective butterfly garden. Butterflies will often perch on rocks to bask in the sun’s rays.
When you have your butterfly garden in progress, it is important to avoid the use of insecticides. Many of these chemicals are toxic to butterflies. Instead, use plants that are native to your area. Indigenous plants have already developed resistance to local pests and disease, reducing the need for pesticides. Also, try and introduce other creatures such as earthworms, ants or beetles. These insects eat up other insects that prey on flowers. Be as natural as possible, let nature take its course.
Having a butterfly garden will reward you as a gardener with the beautiful view these lovely creatures present. But more importantly, they provide these colourful creatures a chance to survive and enjoy life of their own.
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