Butterfly Garden Design
March 24, 2005
- Provide a combination of adult nectar sources and larval host plants - attracts maximum variety of butterfly species; encourages butterflies to remain in your yard, reproduce and build populations instead of just passing through; allows gardener to appreciate all life history stages.
- Incorporate native plants into the landscape whenever possible - most larval host plants are natives; adapted to region; produces a small but representative extension of the natural ecosystem; attracts other wildlife.
- Create horizontal and vertical heterogeneity - choose plants that have different heights and growth habits; creates numerous microclimates which in turn appeal to a greater diversity of butterfly species; provides shelter; creates levels/strata of feeding opportunities).
- Aim for a consistent host plant and floral venue throughout the growing season - choose plants that have different blooming times; ensures that garden remains attractive and productive as long as possible; provides food for butterflies during periods of low natural availability.
- Aim for a consistent host plant and floral venue throughout the growing season - choose plants that have different blooming times; ensures that garden remains attractive and productive as long as possible; provides food for butterflies during periods of low natural availability.
- Provide a number of different flower colors - different butterfly species are attracted to different flower colors so include yellow, orange, white and blue flowers as well as reds, pinks, and purples.
- Provide a mix of flower shapes - the feeding behavior and proboscis length of a butterfly dictate which flowers will be visited: long-tubed flowers, for example are typically more accessible to species with long probosces whereas many composites (daisy-like flowers) provide a feeding platform and easy nectar accessibility for smaller species.
- Plant in shade as well as full sun - appeals to more butterfly species; many forest species prefer shadier locations.
Plant in groupings - aesthetically pleasing; provides masses of color; more apparent in landscape; allows larvae to locate additional food resources in event of shortage.
- Choose appropriate plants for each location - understand each plan's basic water, light, and soil requirements; will perform and grow to its maximum potential.
Posted on March 24, 2005 01:00 PM
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Butterfly Conservation
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