Inexpensive Butterfly Garden

Question:

I would love to have a butterfly garden with perennials. I live in an area that received mostly direct sunlight. I would also like to do this very inexpensively. I would love to read some ideas.

Thanks!
Mindy

Answer:

Mindy,

A butterfly garden with perennials can be created inexpensively-especially starting the perennials from seeds indoors or seeking out cuttings from friends and neighbors. It's important to remember that not all butterflies are attracted to the same types of trees, shrubs and plants. Before planting anything, check with your local county extension agency, library or the regional section of a nearby bookstore to find out which types of butterflies are native to your area.

Make sure the site you select receives 5-6 hours of sun daily and provides the butterflies with some type of wind break (tall plants, a trellis, the side of a building, trees, etc.) Provide a place to sun bask (flat, light-colored rocks work well) and a source of mineral water (like a pie tin filled with wet sand).

You'll need to provide host plants for the larvae (caterpillars) and nectar plants for the adults (butterflies) all season long. A diverse mix of trees, shrubs and native and cultivated plants works best. Also, consider offering small pieces of fruit to supplement their diet. Here are examples of perennials that have successfully attracted butterflies:

aster, azalea, bee balm, butterfly bush, butterfly weed, clover, cone flower, coreopsis, daisies, dianthus, goldenrod, ironwood, Joe-Pye weed, lavender, lilac, lupine, milkweed, mint, passion flower, pincushion flower, sage, salvia, sunflower, thistle, tickseed, verbena, violet, yarrow.

- Ellen Brown