Fancy gazing out your window at an enchanted garden filled with beautiful butterflies? Then get planting and build a garden that will attract this type of wildlife.
People choose to plant butterfly gardens for many reasons. Some enjoy observing and photographing the winged insects, or enjoy the aesthetics of the chosen plants. Others like to help the butterfly population, which is becoming threatened due to habitat destruction. Whatever the reason, this type of garden is something the entire family can enjoy.
A successful butterfly garden has two features – plants for butterflies to feed and an area for adults to breed.
Butterflies will feed mainly on plants with nectar. They will also drink sap from trees and fruit. You can plant any type of flowering plants (some good examples are
pentas lanceolata and
lantana camara) or place saucers of diluted honey or pieces of cut up fruit around the garden for the butterflies to eat.
Building a breeding zone is a little more difficult, as female butterflies are notoriously picky. First,
find out what species of butterfly are most common in your area. Next, find out what species of flora their caterpillars eat. Plant a variety of these and watch the butterflies flock to your garden.
Butterflies have many predators so you will need to take measures to ensure that they are protected. If possible, plant your garden inside a greenhouse or something similar to keep birds, spiders and wasps from attacking and eating these insects. You can also protect them by covering the plants with mesh bags, although you will have to check constantly to make sure the animals are getting enough food and air.
Once you've gotten your garden planted, you might like to add some adornments. Purchase a
butterfly house, which will provide sanctuary from bats and birds, and add a path and some picnic benches for a truly enchanted space.
