“To plan a garden is to believe in tomorrow”
As children, we have dreamt of owning gardens that proudly displays an iridescent rainbow, exhilarant unicorns galloping around and fluttering butterflies having the time of their life! Whilst rainbows and unicorns may be far-fetched but waking up to the sight of butterflies soaking in nectar from the flowers, that is not that difficult. If you are planning to create a butterfly friendly garden then are some quick tips and tricks your way!
- Location– Choosing the right location should be the primary agenda. The most appropriate location for setting up a butterfly garden would be a bright sunny area with adequate shade so that the fluttering beauties have easy access. Considering that you are creating the garden to enjoy the view of butterflies, it is important to select a location that enables you to have everyday visual therapy of your dream garden!
- Flowers– Butterflies visit the flowers to sip in the nectar, therefore choose flowers that have the potential to attract butterflies. Butterflies are extremely fond of pink and purple hued flowers so there goes your hint! Choose flowers that have their blooming season stretched throughout the year. Early spring blooms, mid and late spring blooms, and blooms for fall are ideal for attracting butterflies. Different species of butterflies have their distinct preferences. Monarch butterflies veer towards butterfly bush, thistle, mints and ironweed whereas Great Swallowtails swear by Japanese honeysuckle, goldenrod and lilac. Diversity of flowers for the garden would ensure that there is something for every butterfly!
- Butterfly friendly furniture– Do not just limit your garden to flowers but incorporate furniture! Butterflies have a penchant for sunbathing and can be real water babies! Therefore, the step is to pause and plan about placing the amenities for the butterflies to have their spa moment. Large flat rocks and upturned ceramic pots will enable the butterflies to take break from all the flying around and soak in the warm sunbeams. Aerated birdbath and bubbling fountain are perfect getaways for butterflies to play and frolic.
P.S. It is important to protect the butterflies from its predators like cats, spiders, birds, wasps and ants. Adopt natural fertilizers or bug traps to steer away these predators. In case, of birds placing reflective bird deterrents would do the trick. During winter do not forget to clean the butterfly garden or else it will turn into an abode for pests and diseases that would ultimately destroy the butterfly compatible plants!
.
Picture source:https://www.pinterest.com
