Who wouldn't like to turn their back yards into a showcase that attracts attention and compliments but also soothes the spirit and helps the environment? Many people have turned to what is commonly called wildlife gardening to help fulfill that desire. Creating beautiful butterfly gardens takes a little research and some planning before you start but the result can be an enchanting way to enjoy nature like settings enhanced by the presence of butterflies.
Researching the area butterflies will lead you to the identity of plants that they favor. Two groups of plant will be important additions for your garden. The first being flowering plants that will provide appropriate sources of nectar to attract butterflies and the second type will be food plants for egg laying and food sources for caterpillars when they hatch. Without the correct food plants the caterpillars will not survive and metamorphism will not occur.
Plant selection is an important step. You will want to include annuals and perennials that have high sources of nectar as well as leafy greens to serve as a food source. Most gardeners place perennials against fences or in the back of the garden because they bloom yearly. Annuals need to be replaced every season and should occupy the outer edges of any garden making access much easier. A centrally placed butterfly bush surrounded by multiple rows of flowering plants that bloom at different times during the season works very well in most yards.
Providing extra feeding stations that contain nectar for moths and butterflies helps to keep them in your yard. Some enthusiasts also provide rotting fruit for them to feed on. Another addition that is unique and will add to the beauty of your yard might be houses designed to protect them from predators and weather while giving them a place to rest during the night time hours.
The biggest threat to these colorful winged insects is the destruction of habitat by urbanization. Much of the land where they would naturally lay eggs and reproduce has been taken by construction of homes, factories and roadways. The Monarch is a classic example of this problem. The food their caterpillars need is called milkweed and it has been nearly eliminated from existence in the fields of America. The Monarch population has diminished tremendously in the last decade.
Pesticides are another major problem for these beautiful winged creatures. Unfortunately the chemicals used cannot separate the pests from the good insects and many good ones die. Private gardeners are able to use pest control that will not harm bees and butterflies. Ladybugs are very effective for controlling aphid and soapy water sprayed on affected areas will complete the job. Removing any visible caterpillars is recommended to protect them from harm.
You can find botanical gardens that are open to the public in many areas of the country. These gardens raise butterflies to help pollinate their plants and the public is often allowed into these areas to interact with them. Nature walks and benches are provided for visitors to enable them to observe the butterflies in their natural state.
Attracting one of nature's most beautiful creatures into your life by providing a safe haven complete with food sources and nectar feeders is a satisfying and ecological way to help keep our planet green and healthy.
Researching the area butterflies will lead you to the identity of plants that they favor. Two groups of plant will be important additions for your garden. The first being flowering plants that will provide appropriate sources of nectar to attract butterflies and the second type will be food plants for egg laying and food sources for caterpillars when they hatch. Without the correct food plants the caterpillars will not survive and metamorphism will not occur.
Plant selection is an important step. You will want to include annuals and perennials that have high sources of nectar as well as leafy greens to serve as a food source. Most gardeners place perennials against fences or in the back of the garden because they bloom yearly. Annuals need to be replaced every season and should occupy the outer edges of any garden making access much easier. A centrally placed butterfly bush surrounded by multiple rows of flowering plants that bloom at different times during the season works very well in most yards.
Providing extra feeding stations that contain nectar for moths and butterflies helps to keep them in your yard. Some enthusiasts also provide rotting fruit for them to feed on. Another addition that is unique and will add to the beauty of your yard might be houses designed to protect them from predators and weather while giving them a place to rest during the night time hours.
The biggest threat to these colorful winged insects is the destruction of habitat by urbanization. Much of the land where they would naturally lay eggs and reproduce has been taken by construction of homes, factories and roadways. The Monarch is a classic example of this problem. The food their caterpillars need is called milkweed and it has been nearly eliminated from existence in the fields of America. The Monarch population has diminished tremendously in the last decade.
Pesticides are another major problem for these beautiful winged creatures. Unfortunately the chemicals used cannot separate the pests from the good insects and many good ones die. Private gardeners are able to use pest control that will not harm bees and butterflies. Ladybugs are very effective for controlling aphid and soapy water sprayed on affected areas will complete the job. Removing any visible caterpillars is recommended to protect them from harm.
You can find botanical gardens that are open to the public in many areas of the country. These gardens raise butterflies to help pollinate their plants and the public is often allowed into these areas to interact with them. Nature walks and benches are provided for visitors to enable them to observe the butterflies in their natural state.
Attracting one of nature's most beautiful creatures into your life by providing a safe haven complete with food sources and nectar feeders is a satisfying and ecological way to help keep our planet green and healthy.
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