Attracting butterflies to your garden can be very rewarding!
Here’s a short guide to help you create a butterfly-friendly environment:
Over the past few years, the list of Butterfly and Moth species recorded in The Garden Jungle include: Red Admiral, Peacock, Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Green Veined White, Comma, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and the Hummingbird Hawk Moth which occasionaly makes an appearance on Summer evenings.
1. Choose the Right Plants
Nectar Plants: Opt for a variety of nectar-rich flowers that bloom at different times. Good choices include:
Buddleja (very popular and known as the butterfly bush)
Lavender
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Scabiosa
Marigolds
Host Plants: Plant specific host plants for caterpillars, such as:
Nettles (for the Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell)
Cabbage (for the Cabbage White)
Clover (for various species)
2. Create Sunlit Areas
Butterflies love to bask in the sun. Ensure you have sunny spots in your garden where they can warm up.
3. Provide Shelter
Create sheltered spaces using dense shrubs or small hedges to protect butterflies from wind and rain.
4. Avoid Pesticides
Minimize or eliminate the use of pesticides, as they can harm butterflies and their larvae.
5. Add Water Sources
Provide shallow water sources, like a birdbath or a dish with stones, where butterflies can land and drink.
6. Create a Diverse Environment
Incorporate a variety of plants, heights, and textures to attract different butterfly species.
7. Maintain Your Garden Naturally
Leave some areas a bit wild, with longer grass and plants for caterpillars to thrive.
8. Monitor and Enjoy
Spend time observing your garden, and take note of the butterfly species that visit!
By following these steps, you’ll create a vibrant garden that attracts butterflies and supports their life cycle. Enjoy your butterfly-friendly garden!
