Butterflies are
attracted to a garden for two reasons: food in the form of flower
nectar, and habitat. Both are necessary for butterflies to reproduce and
thrive. Examples of beneficial habitat conditions include puddles or
moist areas, sheltered sunny spots to bask in, and host plants in which
butterflies can lay their eggs and feed on the nectar.
Native flowering perennials, trees, and shrubs that bloom throughout the
growing season such as purple coneflower, goldenrod, butterfly weed,
black-eyed Susan and the redbud tree are excellent choices for butterfly
gardens. Flowering plants can be planted in small groups of 3 to 5
plants, or in a mass. Also, add diversity by including some annuals in
your butterfly garden.
To learn more
about creating the perfect butterfly garden with information from The
Butterfly Site, click here.
The National
Wildlife Federation is another excellent resource for information on
gardening for butterflies. Click
here to visit their website and obtaiin more information on
developing a butterfly garden and attracting these lovely creatures to
your yard!
