Fans of butterflies and gardens alike take note – there is a way for you to combine your obsessions into a single lovely hobby. The live butterfly garden!
It can sound odd at first – what is a butterfly garden? And how exactly do you cultivate one? But the truth is that developing a garden around butterflies is not only relatively simply, but also a fascinating learning experience.
In essence, a butterfly garden is one in which the gardener has chosen certain shrubs and flowering plants and set them in a way to attract different species of butterfly.
In general, butterflies are drawn to flowers that grouped together by single color. In addition, the brighter the flowers the better. Butterflies like a target that they can easily see! So you want to choose flowers that are brilliant in hue – roses and lilac, say – and then be sure to keep them in close proximity.
Keep in mind that butterflies seek out flowers because they survive by drinking the nectar that flowers offer. You'll want to be sure to offer a wide variety of flower and bush – and don't neglect herbs. Different species of butterfly are attracted to varying flowers, and the more you can offer them, the more likely you are to have a broad array of colorful visitors to your garden.
At the same time, it can help to maintain a portion of your garden – or even your yard – that is geared towards native weeds and flowers. You might not think too much of milkweed and dandelions, but the local butterfly population are probably going to be pretty happy to have access to it.
Butterflies are sensitive creatures. To that end, be sure that your butterfly garden isn't treated with chemicals – no pesticides or insecticides for example. That will put a quick damper on the ability of your garden to host butterflies.
These tips will help get you started as you design and plant a butterfly garden. Basically, you want to look at your flowers the way a passing butterfly might. Do that and you'll have beautiful companions before you know it.
Other Visitors Read
- How Garden Lights Improve The Garden
- Butterfly Knife Guide
- Bailsong Butterfly Knives
- Expressing Yourself with Whimsical Garden Decor
- Wooden Garden Furniture For That Natural Look
- Garden Lights: The Perfect Addition To Your Home
- Tips For Selling Your Home
- How to Get the Best Wedding Flowers
- 3 Reasons to Use a Solar Fountain
- Wedding Reception Flowers