How To Create A
Butterfly Garden

But alas, over the past several decades we industrious Americans have become more and more urbanized and less and less domestic. And one result of this "modernization" has been the replacement of those handtended flower beds with border plantings of evergreen and shrubbery.

"Landscaping to attract butterflies is relatively simple, requiring only meager investments of time, energy, and finances."

The new look is certainly more convenient. But this newness is also relatively monochromatic and totally uninviting to the myriad of creatures dependent upon nectar and pollen for food.

Fortunately, America's urban landscapes are once again being reshaped. The so-called "cottage garden" with its complement of fluttery visitors is experiencing a renaissance. A new environmental consciousness is sweeping the nation.

Homeowners yearn to re-create a bit of nature on their home turf. Teachers realize the value of outdoor classrooms for the teaching of ecological relationships. Even savvy business establishments have gotten into the action with novel marketing strategies featuring wildflowers and butterflies. All have learned that landscaping for butterflies is relatively simple, requiring only meager investments of time, energy, and finances.

How does one create a butterflyfriendly garden? First, select a sunny, relatively draft-free location. Both plants and butterflies require a bright, warm environment to thrive. Second, prepare a planting medium that is loose and moderately fertile. A mixture of sand, river silt, pine bark, and aged barnyard manure is ideal. Third, elevate the bed for good drainage. Soggy

Click for a full size photo of Dr. Ross' butterfly garden. Warning: this is a very large graphic. Please be patient while it downloads.

soils promote root rot and other fungal diseases. Fourth, select plant species favored by butterflies (incidentally, most are attractive to hummingbirds as well). Although any flower will probably perk the interest of some butterfly, there are plants that are time-proven favorites (see lists on opposite page). For example, butterfly bush, butterfly weed, and lantana are guaranteed to magnetize any butterfly within the general vicinity.

Fifth, include several host plants (species that are used by specific butterflies for reproduction). Host plants encourage butterflies to remain within the garden. Remember, however, that host plants will be heavily defoliated by the butterfly's caterpillar stage. Sixth, do not use chemical sprays within the garden. These chemicals not only kill indiscriminately, but discourage butterflies from visiting because of their harsh odors. And finally, be patient!

If your garden is located in a highly developed neighborhood, insect guests may have a difficult time discovering your banquet table. But butterflies can and do learn. Also, schedule your observations during peak times for butterflies: midmorning to mid-afternoon, and between August and October.