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Butterfly gardens are a wonderful, especially in the urban garden where they flitter from plant to plant. What will attract butterflies to your garden is water, food and shelter. While there are books on the subject, the following tips will help you create your own butterfly sanctuary:
* Locate in a sunny area. Butterflies like direct sunlight and heat to warm up their bodies.
* Provide a wind shelter by planting beside a fence, hedge or building.
* Avoid using chemical pesticides.
* Provide warm resting places around the garden with boards or a few flat stones.
* A shallow saucer, mud puddle or wet sand can supply needed water.
* Caterpillars have to eat - place milkweed, marigolds, red salvia, zinnias, lantana, impatiens, cosmos, thistle, clover, or goldenrod where their eating of plants will not be a problem. Other favorites are carrots, dill, parsley and nasturtium.

Different species of butterflies prefer different nectars, in both colors and tastes. Providing a wide variety of food plants will attract the greatest diversity of varieties. Try to determine what butterfly varieties are native to your area and which plants they visit. Staggering of plants and varieties allows for additional blooming times of the day and year. Groups of the same plants are easier for butterflies to see than singly planted flowers.

Additional plants include the below, for more information "click" on the photo(s) below -

Asclepias

Asclepias tuberosa (10)ct Quarts

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Asclepias

Asclepias tuberosa (4) 1-gallons

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Aster

Aster 'Grape Crush' PP33612 (25) BR Plants

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Aster

Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (4) 1-gallons

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' (25) BR Plants

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' (4) 1-gallons

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' (4) 1-gallons

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Delft Lace' PP19839 (25) BR Plants

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Deutschland' (25) BR Plants

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Fanal' (25) BR Plants

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Fanal' (bare root plant)

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' (25) BR Plants

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Asclepias

Asclepias tuberosa (10)ct Quarts

Asclepias tuberosa (10)ct Quarts Common Name: Butterfly Weed, pleurisy root. Zones 3 to 9. Full sun. Plants reach 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Herbaceous perennial. This hassle-free perennial will provide three months of tangerine orange...

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Asclepias

Asclepias tuberosa (4) 1-gallons

Asclepias tuberosa (4) 1-gallons Common Name: Butterfly Weed, pleurisy root. Zones 3 to 9. Full sun. Plants reach 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Herbaceous perennial. This hassle-free perennial will provide three months of tangerine orange...

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Aster

Aster 'Grape Crush' PP33612 (25) BR Plants

Aster novae-angliae 'Grape Crush' PP33612 (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: New England Aster Bringing refinement to fall blooming Asters, 'Grape Crush' produces a large, very round mound with densely packed flowers. We have observed no lodging in our...

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Aster

Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (4) 1-gallons

Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (4) 1-gallons Common name: New England aster, Michaelmas Daisies. Zones 3 to 8. Full sun. Plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide; compact dwarf, rounded mounds. Growth rate: Moderate, easy to...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' (25) BR Plants

Astilbe 'Bressingham Beauty' (25) Bare Root Plants Common Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea 'Bressingham Beauty' quickly forms a graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, dusty salmon-rose tiny flowers; densely...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' (4) 1-gallons

Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' ('Brautschleier') (4) 1-gallons Common Name: Astilbe-Hybrid, Spirea Zones 4 to 9. Full sun to full shade. Plants reach 28 inches tall and 18 to 22 inches wide; Clump forming dwarf habit. Growth rate: Moderate, slow spreading,...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' (4) 1-gallons

Astilbe 'Dark Side of the Moon' PPAF CPBRAF (4) 1-gallonsProven WinnersCommon Name: Astilbe An instant classic for the landscape! 'Dark Side of the Moon' is the only dark leafed Astilbe with purple flowers that's on the market. Rich deep...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Delft Lace' PP19839 (25) BR Plants

Astilbe 'Delft Lace' PP19839 (25) Bare Root Plants Common Name: Astilbe-Hybrid, False Spirea This beautiful perennial forms a robust clump of lacy, deep blue-green, waxy foliage with red highlights. Foliage displays some burgundy fall color. Red...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Deutschland' (25) BR Plants

Astilbe 'Deutschland' Common Name: Astilbe-Japanese. Zones 4 to 9. Full sun to full shade. Plants reach 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide; Clump forming habit. Growth rate: Moderate, slow spreading, rhizomatous plants. Panicles of white,...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Fanal' (25) BR Plants

Astilbe 'Fanal' (25) Bare Root Plants Common Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea 'Fanal' quickly forms a compact graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, bright red tiny flowers; densely packed into erect to...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Fanal' (bare root plant)

Astilbe arendsii 'Fanal' Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Hybrid Astilbe, False Spirea 'Fanal' quickly forms a compact graceful, fern-like mound of dainty foliage topped by bunches of fragrant, bright red tiny flowers; densely packed into...

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Astilbe

Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' (25) BR Plants

Astilbe 'Peach Blossom' Common Name: Astilbe-Japanese. Peach flowers with a hint of pink, triangular shaped plumes bloom in early summer. Glossy, green foliage. A member of Astilbe japonica (Japanese Astilbe) , a species characterized by an early bloom...

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What are the benefits of planting Butterfly Gardens?

Planting a butterfly garden brings a vibrant splash of color to your space while offering a surprising number of benefits, both for you and the environment. Here are some of the key advantages:

Ecological Support:

Conservation: Butterfly populations are declining due to habitat loss and pollution. Your garden can become a vital haven, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for these beautiful creatures.
Pollination: Butterflies play a crucial role in pollinating plants, ensuring the health and reproduction of various plant species. This includes fruits, vegetables, and flowers, benefiting both your garden and the wider ecosystem.
Biodiversity: A butterfly garden attracts a diverse range of beneficial insects like bees, ladybugs, and hoverflies, all contributing to a balanced and healthy ecosystem. This diversity also attracts birds, creating a richer and more vibrant environment.

Personal enjoyment:

Beauty: Watching butterflies flitting from flower to flower adds a touch of magic and visual delight to your garden. Their colorful wings and graceful movements bring joy and peacefulness.
Education: A butterfly garden provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about nature and observe the lifecycle of these fascinating creatures. It's a fantastic educational tool for children and adults alike.
Relaxation: Studies show that observing butterflies can reduce stress and promote feelings of calmness and well-being. Their delicate beauty and presence create a serene atmosphere in your outdoor space.

Additional benefits:

Sustainability: Native plants often require less water and maintenance, making your butterfly garden an eco-friendly choice.
Community building: Your garden can attract other butterfly enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for nature.

Remember, these benefits are even more pronounced when you use native plants in your butterfly garden. Native plants are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less care and resources, and they provide optimal food and shelter for native butterfly species.

So, if you're looking to add beauty, support the environment, and create a peaceful haven in your outdoor space, planting a butterfly garden is a wonderful option!

What are the characteristics of Butterfly Gardens?

Here are some of the characteristics of butterfly gardens:

Plant Diversity:

Nectar sources: A variety of brightly colored, flat-topped or clustered flowers with short tubes are essential for adult butterflies to feed on. Examples include milkweed, zinnia, cosmos, marigolds, and coreopsis.
Host plants: These provide food for caterpillars, the larval stage of butterflies. Different butterfly species have specific host plants, so research which ones are native to your area and attract the butterflies you'd like to see. Examples include milkweed for Monarch butterflies, parsley for swallowtails, and asters for fritillaries.
Native plants: Using native plants is highly recommended as they are better adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, require less care and resources, and provide optimal food and shelter for native butterfly species.

Habitat Features:

Sun exposure: Butterflies are cold-blooded and need sunshine to warm up and be active. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in your garden.
Shelter: Provide protection from wind, rain, and predators by incorporating rocks, shrubs, or small trees into your design.
Water source: A shallow puddle, birdbath, or saucer filled with water and rocks is crucial for butterflies to drink and obtain essential minerals.
Open areas: Butterflies need space to fly and bask in the sun. Avoid overcrowding your garden with plants.

Additional Tips:

Avoid pesticides: These harmful chemicals kill not only pests but also beneficial insects like butterflies and their caterpillars.
Practice organic gardening methods: Use natural fertilizers and pest control solutions to create a healthy and safe environment for butterflies.
Observe and learn: Pay attention to which plants attract the most butterflies and adjust your garden accordingly. Research the specific needs of the butterfly species you'd like to attract.

By incorporating these characteristics, you can create a beautiful and inviting butterfly garden that benefits both you and the environment.

What are varieties of perennial plants in Butterfly Gardens?

Here are some varieties used in butterfly gardens, categorized by their bloom time:

Spring Bloomers:

Milkweed (Asclepias): The host plant for Monarch butterflies, milkweed is essential for their survival. It has clusters of small, fragrant flowers in various colors, attracting adult butterflies as well.
Columbine (Aquilegia): This shade-loving plant has drooping, bell-shaped flowers in red, yellow, orange, and purple, providing nectar for early-season butterflies.
Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris): A low-growing plant with delicate, cup-shaped flowers in purple, blue, or white, blooming early in the spring.
Phlox: Phlox has fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, attracting a variety of butterflies.
Violets (Viola): These small, cheerful flowers come in various colors and provide early nectar for butterflies.

Summer Bloomers:

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): A magnet for butterflies with its long, fragrant flower spikes in purple, pink, white, and red.
Coneflower (Echinacea): This daisy-like flower comes in various colors and attracts butterflies with its flat, open blooms.
Bee Balm (Monarda): This member of the mint family has clusters of tubular flowers in red, pink, purple, and white, a favorite among butterflies.
Lantana: This heat-tolerant plant blooms continuously throughout summer in clusters of small, colorful flowers, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds alike.
Yarrow (Achillea): This flat-topped flower comes in various colors and provides a long bloom season, attracting butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms.

Fall Bloomers:

Goldenrod (Solidago): Often mistaken for ragweed, goldenrod is a valuable nectar source for butterflies migrating south for the winter.
Aster (Aster): This diverse genus has many species with various flower colors and sizes, blooming from late summer to fall and providing essential nectar for butterflies.
Sedum: This succulent plant has clusters of star-shaped flowers in pink, white, or red, blooming in late summer and fall and attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum): This tall plant has flat clusters of tiny purple flowers that provide nectar for late-season butterflies.
Passionflower (Passiflora): This unique vine has exotic, star-shaped flowers in various colors, attracting butterflies with its sweet nectar.

Remember, the best plants for your butterfly garden will depend on your local climate and the butterfly species you want to attract. Do some research to find out which native plants are best suited to your area and enjoy creating a vibrant haven for these beautiful creatures!

How Do I Plant Butterfly Gardens Plants?

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plant your butterfly haven:

Preparation:

Choose a location: Select a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Shelter from wind and rain is beneficial, but allow enough space for butterflies to fly freely.
Research native plants: Focus on native species as they attract the most local butterflies and require less maintenance. Consult local guides or gardening centers for recommendations.
Plan your layout: Sketch your garden, considering sunlight, plant heights, and bloom times for continuous nectar availability. Group nectar and host plants together for easy butterfly access.
Prepare the soil: Test your soil's pH and amend it if necessary. Remove weeds and debris, loosen the soil to a good depth, and incorporate organic matter like compost.

Planting:

Follow individual plant instructions: Refer to the planting instructions for each species regarding spacing, depth, and watering needs.
Plant nectar sources first: Prioritize nectar-rich flowers throughout the season, ensuring continuous food availability for adult butterflies.
Incorporate host plants: Include specific host plants for desired butterfly species, considering caterpillar preferences. Research safe alternatives if some host plants are invasive in your area.
Add other elements: Create a butterfly-friendly habitat by adding rocks for basking, shallow puddles for hydration, and small trees or shrubs for shelter.

Maintenance:

Water regularly: Especially during the first year, water plants deeply but avoid overwatering. Gradually reduce watering as they establish.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
Deadhead spent blooms: Encourage continuous blooming by removing spent flowers, promoting more bud development.
Avoid harmful chemicals: Opt for organic methods for pest control to protect butterflies and beneficial insects.
Observe and learn: Watch your garden flourish and attract butterflies. Identify species and adjust your garden based on their preferences.

Additional Tips:

Start small and expand your garden gradually.
Consider container gardening if space is limited.

Get your community involved! Encourage neighbors to plant butterfly-friendly gardens to create a larger habitat network.

Remember, creating a butterfly garden is an ongoing process. Enjoy the journey, be patient, and witness the wonder of these beautiful creatures fluttering through your own little slice of paradise!

How do I make a butterfly sanctuary?

Transforming your space into a butterfly sanctuary involves more than just planting flowers; it's about creating a complete ecosystem that caters to their needs. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you achieve that:

Planning and Preparation:

Choose the right location:

Sunlight: Select a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Butterflies need warmth to be active.
Shelter: Provide protection from wind and rain with shrubs, rocks, or small trees. Consider wind direction and prevailing weather patterns.
Water: Include a shallow puddle or birdbath with flat rocks for butterflies to drink and obtain minerals.

Research native plants:

Nectar sources: Choose a variety of flowering plants with open blooms in different colors and bloom times, providing continuous nectar throughout the season. Examples include milkweed, coneflower, butterfly bush, and lantana.
Host plants: Select specific plants that cater to the butterfly species you wish to attract. These provide food for caterpillars. Research alternatives if some native host plants are invasive in your area.
Native vs. non-native: Prioritize native plants as they support local butterfly populations and require less maintenance.

Design your sanctuary:

Sketch a layout: Consider plant heights, bloom times, and spacing for easy access by butterflies. Group nectar and host plants together.
Create zones: Include areas for basking, feeding, breeding, and shelter.

Planting and Maintenance:

Prepare the soil:

Test pH and amend if necessary: Most butterflies prefer slightly alkaline soil.
Remove weeds and debris: Create a clean space for planting.
Loosen the soil: Ensure proper drainage and root growth.
Add organic matter: Improve soil quality and moisture retention with compost or aged manure.

Plant according to instructions:

Refer to specific needs of each plant regarding spacing, depth, and watering requirements.

Maintain your sanctuary:

Regular watering: Especially during the first year, water deeply but avoid overwatering.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Organic pest control: Avoid harmful chemicals to protect butterflies and beneficial insects.
Observation and learning: Observe butterfly activity and adjust your garden based on their preferences.

Additional Tips:

Start small and expand gradually: Don't overwhelm yourself; begin with a manageable area and add more later.
Consider container gardening: If space is limited, use pots and planters to create a butterfly haven.
Community involvement: Encourage neighbors to plant butterfly-friendly gardens to create a larger habitat network.

Beyond Plants:

Butterfly houses: Offer additional shelter, although natural options like shrubs and rocks are generally preferred.
Fruit feeders: Consider offering ripe fruits like oranges or bananas as supplementary food sources.
Minimize light pollution: Butterflies navigate by moonlight, so avoid excessive artificial lighting to create a more natural environment.

By following these steps and focusing on creating a diverse and welcoming habitat, you can turn your space into a thriving butterfly sanctuary, attracting these beautiful creatures and contributing to their conservation. Remember, patience and observation are key to success!

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Butterfly Gardens

What are the benefits of planting Butterfly Gardens?

What are the characteristics of Butterfly Gardens?

What are varieties of perennial plants in Butterfly Gardens?

How Do I Plant Butterfly Gardens Plants?

How do I make a butterfly sanctuary?