Having a back yard refuge for wild creatures appeals to many who draw solace and peace of mind from the wonders of nature. They often find an inner grounding of spirit and mind by watching the creatures they have attracted to their lives through gardening and placement of food sources for them. One such method of drawing in natures wonders is to plant butterfly gardens within realm of the yard of their homes.
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.
Placing feeders in the yard with nectar supplies is a good concept. Much like birds, butterflies can use the nectar as a supplemental source of food. Placing water dishes, and sand for puddling in the yard is helpful. Many people provide houses that are designed specifically for butterflies. They offer protection from predators and bad weather and provide charming additions to your landscaping.
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.
The use of pesticides also effects the number of butterflies in a given season. Use of them can destroy the adults as well as kill the caterpillars that feed on the affected plants. Use of earth friendly resources like ladybugs for pest control is highly recommended. Another method involves warm soapy water sprayed on the plants for aphid control.
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.
Placing feeders in the yard with nectar supplies is a good concept. Much like birds, butterflies can use the nectar as a supplemental source of food. Placing water dishes, and sand for puddling in the yard is helpful. Many people provide houses that are designed specifically for butterflies. They offer protection from predators and bad weather and provide charming additions to your landscaping.
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.
The use of pesticides also effects the number of butterflies in a given season. Use of them can destroy the adults as well as kill the caterpillars that feed on the affected plants. Use of earth friendly resources like ladybugs for pest control is highly recommended. Another method involves warm soapy water sprayed on the plants for aphid control.
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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You can visit www.joyfulbutterfly.com for more helpful information about Creating The Best Butterfly Gardens.
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