how to create a Butterfly garden

Adult butterflies and caterpillars are an important source of food for other animals such as bats and birds. Along with nectar, butterflies eat a variety of plants. Some species also provide a natural form of pest control. For example, the harvester butterfly eats aphids while it is in its caterpillar form.

How to transform your garden into a butterfly paradise

Step 1: Select Site for Butterfly Garden.

It is best to choose a site that has some sun but is also sheltered from wind.

Step 2: Adding rocks

Butterflies like to bask in the sun when the mornings are cool therfore it is recommended to add a few large flat rocks for them.

Step 3: Provide Water

Give them a place for puddling – Butterflies often congregate on wet sand and mud to partake in “puddling,” drinking water and extracting minerals from damp puddles. Place coarse sand in a shallow pan and then insert the pan in the soil of your habitat. Make sure to keep the sand moist.

Step 4: Add the Plants

Butterflies are particularly attracted to the following plants, so if you don’t already have them n your garden it would be a great idea to introduce them.

• Alyssum.
• Aster.
• Bee balm.
• Butterfly bush.
• Calendula.
• Cosmos.
• Daylily.
• Delphinium.

Extra tips:

It is a good idea to leave fallen fruit around in your garden, avoid the use of pesticides and cut down on weeding.