HOW TO MAKE A BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Flutter by,

Butterfly,

Floating flower

in the sky.

Kiss me with your

Petal wings---

Whisper secrets,

Tell of spring.

Author Unknown

Most people agree that butterflies are magical. When first considering the plants you will put into your garden, know that butterflies are attracted to large splashes of color. However, if your intention is to keep them around you'll need to supply them with what they like to eat and drink. This is not to undermine the importance of plants that encourage butterflies to lay their eggs. It seems butterflies can be particular about which flower's they choose for larva food. Below are some of the butterflies and plants that will bring them into your yard.

Great Swallowtail: lay eggs on citrus trees and prickly ash, eat nectar from Japanese honeysuckle, lilac, goldenrod and azalea

Monarch: lay eggs on milkweed, eat nectar from milkweed, butterfly bush, goldenrod, thistle, ironweed and mints

Painted Lady: lay eggs on daisy and hollyhock, eat nectar from goldenrod, aster, zinnia, butterfly bush and milkweed

Tiger Swallowtail: lay eggs on ash, birch, cherry, lilac and tulip tree, eat nectar from milkweed, Japanese honeysuckle, phlox, lilac and ironweed

Red Admiral: lay eggs on nettle, eat nectar from daisy, aster, goldenrod, butterfly bush and milkweed

So, you can see from this sampling, different species of butterfly prefer different plants. You can enjoy more types of them by planting a large variety of flowers. You will also want flowers in single colored groupings, making it easier for the butterfly to see them. They also prefer direct sunlight, six or more hours a day, with a few shady spots. They use the sun's heat to regulate their body temperature. But, make sure your garden is located out of the wind and warmed stones or wood are available for butterflies to rest when not feeding.

Keep in mind to select a variety that allows blooms throughout the season. Do not use insecticide in your butterfly garden, it will kill them and their caterpillars.

Below are a list, in addition to those mentioned previously, of plants that will attract butterflies:

white alyssum

pink and white rock cress

candytuft

coneflowers

cosmos

white daisies

black eyed Susan

primrose

pincushion flowers

sweet rocket

sweet William

petunias

daylilies

rosemary

lavender

lantana

zinnias

sage

marjoram

You can supplement the garden's flower nectar with a home-made feeder. Use an inverted small jar, such a feeder can be attractive to butterflies. Drill a small hole in the center of the lid and plug it with cotton. Fill the jar with a solution of one part sugar (not honey) to nine parts water. Attach brightly-colored fabric petals to the lid to make the feeder more appealing to butterflies. Hang your feeder in a tree near your garden.

Butterflies also like puddles. Make a permanent puddle by burying a bucket to the rim, filling it with gravel or sand, and then pouring in water. Or place a bowl of wet sand among the plants. A purchased birdbath works well for this purpose as well. Overripe fruit is also very attractive to them.

If you wish to go one step further, you can purchase a butterfly house. Or use a simple plan to construct one. The butterflies will appreciate a place out of the weather and away from others who might eat them. Use bright colors and flower patterns if you wish to paint the house, but never pain the inside. Use several pieces of bark for the inside. Attach them with small nails or screws. It can be hung on a tree or a tall pole.

Constructing a butterfly garden is a good learning project to share with a child. Then join your child in the magical world of butterflies.