Create a Butterfly Garden: Nectar, Host Plants, and Sun

A butterfly garden brings living color and motion all summer. Success requires four elements: full sun, nectar plants, host plants for caterpillars, and zero pesticides.

Planning Steps

1. Identify local butterfly species and their preferred nectar/host plants.
2. Choose bright, scented flowers: orange, red, yellow, purple, dark pink. Multi-colored gardens are easily spotted.
3. Plant host plants for egg-laying (caterpillars defoliate them—site behind taller nectar plants). Must match butterfly species' preferences.
4. Keep host and nectar plants in proximity.
5. Mix annuals (front) and perennials (back). Tall behind short.
6. Stagger bloom times—late summer/fall peak butterfly season needs multiple nectar sources.

Bonus: hummingbirds and birds visit too. Sit back and enjoy your certified wildlife habitat.