Who wouldn't like to turn their back yards into a showcase that attracts attention and compliments but also soothes the spirit and helps the environment? Many people have turned to what is commonly called wildlife gardening to help fulfill that desire. Creating beautiful butterfly gardens takes a little research and some planning before you start but the result can be an enchanting way to enjoy nature like settings enhanced by the presence of butterflies.
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.
A combination of types of plants is recommended for a garden and rotating them to offer a full season of blooming flowers will assure that butterflies will remain all summer in your yard. Selecting a variety of perennials for areas that have fencing blocking easy access will help with the yearly maintenance. Annuals must be replaced each season and being placed to the front of the garden will make replanting them easier.
Many gardeners also supply feeding stations for butterflies and moths that contain nectar and sometimes rotting fruit for them to feed on. They provide houses, sand for puddling and water for these fragile guests. The houses offer protection from predators such as birds and large insects and also from wind, rain and nightfall.
Destruction of natural habitat is a very real threat to these creatures. The encroachment of new homes and businesses on the wilderness and open fields where they would normally live and reproduce have affected their numbers over the years. Milkweed, a staple for caterpillar survival has nearly been eradicated in the country and many butterflies, including the Monarch are suffering major losses in population number.
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.
Botanical gardens often raise butterflies and have a special area where they can be observed and interacted with on a very personal level. Benches are located in areas that they flourish in and visitors can experience having them land on their bodies and flutter around their heads while they rest. These sites are most popular during the spring and summer months while butterflies are plentiful. At the same time studies are being done by the botanists regarding the life spans and various life habits of them.
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.
A combination of types of plants is recommended for a garden and rotating them to offer a full season of blooming flowers will assure that butterflies will remain all summer in your yard. Selecting a variety of perennials for areas that have fencing blocking easy access will help with the yearly maintenance. Annuals must be replaced each season and being placed to the front of the garden will make replanting them easier.
Many gardeners also supply feeding stations for butterflies and moths that contain nectar and sometimes rotting fruit for them to feed on. They provide houses, sand for puddling and water for these fragile guests. The houses offer protection from predators such as birds and large insects and also from wind, rain and nightfall.
Destruction of natural habitat is a very real threat to these creatures. The encroachment of new homes and businesses on the wilderness and open fields where they would normally live and reproduce have affected their numbers over the years. Milkweed, a staple for caterpillar survival has nearly been eradicated in the country and many butterflies, including the Monarch are suffering major losses in population number.
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.
Botanical gardens often raise butterflies and have a special area where they can be observed and interacted with on a very personal level. Benches are located in areas that they flourish in and visitors can experience having them land on their bodies and flutter around their heads while they rest. These sites are most popular during the spring and summer months while butterflies are plentiful. At the same time studies are being done by the botanists regarding the life spans and various life habits of them.
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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