Butterfly Gardening Richmond VA.
Butterflies are wonderful in the garden, flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar. They add natural beauty and activity, and are very valuable pollinators as well. Unfortunately, due to the destruction of natural habitats and the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum pesticides, the butterfly population is in decline.
To attract butterflies to your garden, choose a sunny location that is protected from wind. Use plants of differing heights, colors and bloom times to attract butterflies throughout the season. Grow larvae plants as well to encourage egg laying (Hosta, Aster, Sedum, Vaccinium, Blueberries, Dogwood, Magnolia…). Expect to see caterpillars munching on these plants. Enjoy them and let them eat all they want to. Make a puddle, if there are none nearby, by burying a shallow saucer filled with sand and water. Place a flat stone in the sun for basking. Provide undisturbed log piles and leaf litter in a hidden spot in the garden for shelter.
Limit the use of pesticides in your garden. Most are toxic to butterflies!
Plant to create large splashes of color in your garden because color plays a vital role in attracting butterflies. You should group several plants of the same species and color in your butterfly garden.
The most appealing plants are those that have flower heads which are composed of short, tubular blossoms and are flat-topped to provide a good landing platform (Yarrow, Butterfly Bush, Coneflower, Bee-Balm). Another helpful tip is to plant single rather than double blooming varieties as the nectar is more accessible in these forms. Plant your garden to provide continuous bloom as butterflies are active from early spring through fall. Aster and Sedum are perennials which provide a valuable source of nectar late in the season. Herbs are especially attractive to butterflies as well (Sage, Rosemary, Oregano, and Thyme). Also, you can plant annuals among your perennials. This will ensure a continuous supply of nectar through-out the season. Excellent varieties include Cosmos, Lantana, Pentas, Marigolds, and Zinnia.
To attract butterflies to your garden, choose a sunny location that is protected from wind. Use plants of differing heights, colors and bloom times to attract butterflies throughout the season. Grow larvae plants as well to encourage egg laying (Hosta, Aster, Sedum, Vaccinium, Blueberries, Dogwood, Magnolia…). Expect to see caterpillars munching on these plants. Enjoy them and let them eat all they want to. Make a puddle, if there are none nearby, by burying a shallow saucer filled with sand and water. Place a flat stone in the sun for basking. Provide undisturbed log piles and leaf litter in a hidden spot in the garden for shelter.
Limit the use of pesticides in your garden. Most are toxic to butterflies!
Plant to create large splashes of color in your garden because color plays a vital role in attracting butterflies. You should group several plants of the same species and color in your butterfly garden.
The most appealing plants are those that have flower heads which are composed of short, tubular blossoms and are flat-topped to provide a good landing platform (Yarrow, Butterfly Bush, Coneflower, Bee-Balm). Another helpful tip is to plant single rather than double blooming varieties as the nectar is more accessible in these forms. Plant your garden to provide continuous bloom as butterflies are active from early spring through fall. Aster and Sedum are perennials which provide a valuable source of nectar late in the season. Herbs are especially attractive to butterflies as well (Sage, Rosemary, Oregano, and Thyme). Also, you can plant annuals among your perennials. This will ensure a continuous supply of nectar through-out the season. Excellent varieties include Cosmos, Lantana, Pentas, Marigolds, and Zinnia.
