It's a sparkling summer day, and in the flower garden in the
front yard the butterflies have arrived: Monarchs on the
zinnias. White admirals on the purple coneflowers. Fritillaries
on the black-eyed Susans. It's a magical sight, but it's really
no surprise. Attract these gentle visitors by planting
precisely the types of nectar-producing flowers that
butterflies love.
As it turns out, butterflies are easily attracted to
yards and gardens. Plant their favorite flowers in a protected
yet sunny spot. The first step is to find a site for the
butterfly garden, ideally one that receives at least six hours
of sun a day and offered shelter from the wind.
Tips
Tip: Try planting groups of flowers rather than single
plants. Also take into account the varieties of butterflies that
visit your region and their food preferences. And keep your
butterfly garden pesticide-free.
| Prep Time: Weekend Project | |
| What you need: | |
| Basic gardening tools
Butterfly guidebook for information about the butterflies in your region and their preferred flowers Garden book with recommendations for five annuals and five perennials that agree with the butterfly book Plants as recommended above | |
| Seasons: Spring, Summer | |
| Materials: flowerpot | |
| Instructions: | |
| 1. | Dig the garden, brake up the big clods with a garden fork, and peat moss, creating a loose, fluffy soil for the young plants' tender roots. |
| 2. | Plant short flowers up front and tall ones in the back. This design works visually and keeps both low-feeding and high-feeding butterflies happy |
| 3. | Soak the ground well. This is good for the plants but also
helps butterflies, who suck the wet soil for salts and fluids--a
behavior known as puddling.
|
© FamilyFun. All rights reserved.
