2torial #0765:
Learn2 Attract Butterflies (continued)

Create an optimal setting

There are several general necessities for butterfly gardens to be successful.

Sunshine. Both butterflies and butterfly-attracting plants need plenty of sunshine. Butterflies need sunshine because they can't produce their own body heat. They rely on the sun's warmth to regulate their body temperature. This is why you sometimes see butterflies basking in the sun on a warm rock. If you provide a few rocks, or even a brick or stone path, you can be certain that the butterflies attracted by your plants will also stay longer to warm themselves.

Wind protection. Because butterfly wings are fragile enough to be torn by a strong gust of wind, butterfly gardens need to have wind protection. A fence, wall, or hedge of shrubs will do the trick.

Variety of plants. If you want butterflies to spend as much time as possible in your garden, set it up so they can complete several life cycles there. This means caterpillars, and it means a few eaten leaves. If you can stand the sight of eaten plants, you'll be able to coax butterflies into considering your garden their home. Don't worry about your vegetables or flowering plants, though. Caterpillars have very specific tastes and won't bother plants other than the ones they've evolved with, such as milkweed, asters, or beard tongue.

Continuous bloom. If you want butterflies to stay in your garden from spring through fall, you'll need to present them with a variety of plants that bloom throughout this period and provide nectar.

Source of water. Butterflies need to drink, too. A simple water dish or even a depression in sand or gravel that holds water will suffice.

No pesticides or herbicides. Never use these in or near your garden. They're toxic to all bugs, not just the ones you think you're targeting. Ask about natural, nontoxic alternatives at your local nursery.

Butterfly house. You can provide shelter for your butterflies as a decorative addition to your garden. These houses are available through nature retailers and on the Internet. However, they're not required to attract butterflies or to keep them.