When planning a butterfly garden, make sure to include plants that will support the butterfly’s life cycle, from caterpillars to adult butterflies. It is also essential to include places for shelter and sources of food and water. For example, a rock in a sunny, windless location can provide a place for the butterfly to bask and warm its wing muscles.
Choosing plants for a butterfly garden
A butterfly garden should include a variety of plants that attract butterflies. The flowers should be attractive and contain plenty of nectar. It is also important to include some host plants for the caterpillars. This will increase the chances of emergence. Butterfly plants should be native to the area.
The best place for a butterfly garden is a sunny spot that is protected from wind. For example, you can place your garden in a windbreak of mid-sized conifers. Also, a sunny rock or a fence post will provide plenty of warmth for the insects.
You should choose plants that provide nectar at various times of the year. Plants that bloom in the spring and summer are the best for butterflies. They need a warm surface to warm their bodies and flutter around. You can provide them with this by including plants with multiple florets and flowers. Certain butterflies prefer pink, orange, and yellow flowers, so you may want to plant those in your garden.
If you have a limited amount of space, a square or rectangular garden will be a good choice. Plant nectar-rich flowers like marigolds and butterfly weed. These are common and easy to find. Once you have your layout, you can start selecting plants and seeds for your butterfly garden. There are dozens of varieties of nectar-rich plants to attract butterflies.