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Butterflies have long been called flying flowers, and with good reason. The bright colors of some species rival that of even the showiest of blossoms. Their beauty, gracefulness and an almost magical quality make them a much sought after guest in the garden. For these reasons, many people have begun planting butterfly gardens especially to attract these jewels to their yards. And it’s actually pretty simple to do if you give them the four “basic butterfly necessities.”
1. Plants
The first thing to consider when starting a butterfly garden is, of course, what plants to plant. Butterflies need both a host plant, for the young (caterpillars) to feed on, and a nectar plant for the adults to get nectar from. Butterflies can be very particular about which plants they use for host plants, so you need to do a little research on the butterfly species in your area and what plants they use for both host and nectar plants. This is done by either researching butterfly species you have spotted in your neighborhood using a field guide, or finding what wildlife is native to your area and plant accordingly so that you can entice them into your neighborhood that way.
Once you find out what butterflies are native to your area, you need to do the same for the plants. If you choose native varieties, you will have better luck growing them because they are already accustomed to the growing conditions in your particular area. Some plants that are favorites in many areas are the Butterfly Bush, Butterfly weed, Lilacs, Daises, Zinnias, Marigolds and Cosmos.
Once you choose the plants, try to plant them in a sunny location and where they will also be protected from the wind. Butterflies like the sun but need nearby bushes and trees to take shelter from the wind and rain.
2. Basking
Butterflies are cold-blooded creatures and need the sun to warm their bodies. For this reason, you will attract more species with “warming” areas, such as a flat rock in a very sunny location. Several of these warming areas scattered throughout your garden and yard will provide them with a place to soak up the sun during breaks from feeding. These also need to be in a protected area, out of the wind, where they won’t have to struggle and fight the breezes while they are basking.
3. Puddles
Butterflies need a source of water, not only for the water but also to soak up the much-needed minerals that are contained in the water. For this reason, it is best to make them mud puddles instead of giving them what we would consider “clean water.” Dirty water to a butterfly is a feast! You can either make a puddle by scooping out a shallow indention in your garden and keeping it moist, or by filling a small flower pot or dish with soil from your garden and watering it everyday. Since these “puddles” also need to be in the sun, you will have to keep and eye on them during very hot days to make sure they don’t dry out.
4. No pesticides
One last thing to consider when planting a butterfly garden is that pesticides can be very harmful to both adult butterflies and their young (caterpillars). Pests can be discouraged by using companion plants that they dislike. The Marigold plant is one plant that repels pests and attracts butterflies, so it would be a natural for a pesticide free garden.
Another way to get rid of pests is by encouraging other wildlife to stick around. Ladybugs, praying mantis, birds and toads all eat harmful insects and will make your job of keeping them in check easier, without the danger of harmful pesticides.
Basically, that’s all you need to know to begin planning your butterfly garden. Follow these four butterfly basics and you should have a bouquet of flying flowers in your garden in no time!
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