 |
| Monarch Butterfly |
1. Choose A Location
All butterflies are cold-blooded, relying on the sun to warm up their wing muscles for flight. Clear out an area in your garden to provide sunlight for the butterflies. Prune overhanging shrubs or trees, but don't remove them completely. Allow some branches and foliage to remain and naturally block gusting winds. Butterflies need light breezes to remain steady on plants as they drink nectar.
2. Add Nectar-Producing Plants
Once butterflies take flight, they need a lot of nectar to maintain their energy. Add brightly colored flowering plants to the sunny garden. Butterflies have average vision, perceiving certain colors depending on the distinct species. Mix up the garden's colors to attract more butterfly species. Select from some of the top nectar-producing plants, including coneflower, Cardinal flowers and butterfly weed. Choose plants that also flower at different times, such as spring versus summer. You want to attract butterflies until fall, if possible. It's important to stick with Bucks County native plants. Some of the non-native plants, such as the butterfly bush, can actually reduce native butterfly species in the end, according to Dr. Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia.
3. Incorporate Host Plants
Choose a favorite butterfly species and match it to its favorite host plant. These plants don't provide nectar, but actually offer a comfortable breeding space for egg-laying. For example, black swallowtails prefer fennel or Golden Alexanders as their host plants. Plant these in your garden to entice butterflies to stay for their full reproductive cycle. You'll watch them grow through the larval, cocoon and butterfly stages over several months. Again, use native plants.
4. Add Warming Rocks
Select slightly dark rocks to add to the garden. Disperse them among the plants, but allow them to jut out into the sunlight. Cold days are difficult for butterflies to fly. Their wings seem to be weaker with less warmth. The rocks collect the sunlight's heat, even on a cloudy day, allowing the butterfly to rest and warm themselves in your garden. Don't disturb them when they are resting. Enjoy their colors and shapes as they gain strength to move on to the next plant.
5. Create A Water Feature
Although a butterfly relies mainly on nectar for sustenance, they also need some water. Add a shallow bowl to your landscape and keep it filled with water. Butterflies don't want to immerse themselves in the water, but they do appreciate a drink and a splash on a hot day. Place a rock by the water, if desired, to see several butterflies at once. They'll appreciate the relaxing and safe space as they gain strength to fly and drink again.
Find a good spot to sit and enjoy nature as your Bucks County landscaping comes to life. By placing a patio chair in a shaded area, you can see these majestic insects drink and frolic in the spring sun. If you prefer sitting back and watching the butterflies without the labor, contact a landscaping contractor!
Plant more trees!
