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.
Placing feeders in the yard with nectar supplies is a good concept. Much like birds, butterflies can use the nectar as a supplemental source of food. Placing water dishes, and sand for puddling in the yard is helpful. Many people provide houses that are designed specifically for butterflies. They offer protection from predators and bad weather and provide charming additions to your landscaping.
Urbanization of their habitat poses a major problem for these creatures. The construction of homes, businesses and freeways has destroyed many fields and wilderness areas where they flourish. An example is the Monarch. These butterflies need to find a specific plant for egg laying. Milkweed is the only plant that the Monarch caterpillar can feed on and reports state that it has been nearly eradicated in America. The effect of this is that the numbers of Monarch Butterflies have noticeably diminished over the past decade.
Pesticides are also a major threat to these creatures. Gardeners who hope to attract them use alternative means to control pest insects. Ladybugs released into the garden will help control aphid and warm soapy water also works well. It is advisable to remove any caterpillars prior to applying the soapy water to your plants.
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.
Placing feeders in the yard with nectar supplies is a good concept. Much like birds, butterflies can use the nectar as a supplemental source of food. Placing water dishes, and sand for puddling in the yard is helpful. Many people provide houses that are designed specifically for butterflies. They offer protection from predators and bad weather and provide charming additions to your landscaping.
Urbanization of their habitat poses a major problem for these creatures. The construction of homes, businesses and freeways has destroyed many fields and wilderness areas where they flourish. An example is the Monarch. These butterflies need to find a specific plant for egg laying. Milkweed is the only plant that the Monarch caterpillar can feed on and reports state that it has been nearly eradicated in America. The effect of this is that the numbers of Monarch Butterflies have noticeably diminished over the past decade.
Pesticides are also a major threat to these creatures. Gardeners who hope to attract them use alternative means to control pest insects. Ladybugs released into the garden will help control aphid and warm soapy water also works well. It is advisable to remove any caterpillars prior to applying the soapy water to your plants.
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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You can visit www.joyfulbutterfly.com for more helpful information about Creating The Best Butterfly Gardens.
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