MANY OF OUR BENEFICIAL INSECTS NEED OUR HELP – INCLUDING THE BUTTERFLIES
Our butterflies need our help—especially the Monarch butterfly. Here are some butterfly gardening tips to consider this spring and summer. When planning and planting our gardens this spring, remember some of the blooming annuals and perennials that are particularly attractive for our butterfly population.
In Central Virginia, we tend to have three other popular types of butterflies: the Monarch, the Tiger Swallowtail, and the Painted Lady.
Some of you may ask, “What is a pollinator garden?” A pollinator garden contains pollinator-friendly plants that provide food (nectar and pollen) and shelter for the winter. In addition, host-plant leaves provide a food source for caterpillars.
More than 85% of the Earth’s plants require pollinators to exist. Your help is crucial to keep butterfly and moth pollinators thriving.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR BRINGING BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR GARDEN
- Provide a sunny area with rocks or flat stones for the butterflies to bask on.
- Provide a shallow bowl of water with some rocks to land on.
- Try to limit your use of herbicides and insecticides.
- Plant plenty of flowers for food and nectar.
HERE ARE SOME PLANTS TO CONSIDER PLANTING FOR BUTTERFLIES
ANNUALS
- Alyssum
- Cosmos
- Gaillardia
- Impatiens
- Zinnias
- Verbena
- Marigolds
PERENNIALS
- Arabis
- Asters
- Bee Balm
- Butterfly Weed
- Daisy
- Catmint
- Phlox
- Coneflower
- Joe-Pie Weed
- Yarrow
- Rudbeckia
- Thyme
- Lavender
- Mint
- Coreopsis
SHRUBS
- Buddleia
- Azaleas
- Lilac
- Viburnum
WHAT MORE CAN WE DO TO SUPPORT OUR BUTTERFLIES AND POLLINATORS?
Many more plants should be planted to support our butterflies and pollinators. What more can we do to help them?
- Avoid using pesticides and sprays in your yard and gardens
- Grow more native plants in your landscape
Come in to see us. We have a great selection of blooming perennials and annuals that are great butterfly magnets.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!