Here's
my backyard. Jim and I have worked hard to try and make this a relaxing
and inviting place not only for our human friends but our winged ones,
as well. Most of the beds are still in that first year, small plant stage
but hopefully within another year or two they will be filled and overflowing
with plenty of host and nectar plants for the butterflies. (Notice
two of our Pekingese, Snickers and Lulu, in the picture)
Passionvines
have been one of my favorite vines since I started butterfly gardening.
They are the host plant to the Gulf Fritillary. Currently I have seven
large passionvines growing on my fence and all are occupied by the orange
and black spiked larvae of the Gulf Fritillary.
The four
main nectar plants that I have in my backyard are Lantana, Purple Coneflowers,
Pentas, and Zinnias. These plants are planted in mass groupings so that
it will be easier for the butterflies to identify them. I have noticed
that the zinnias get many more fluttering visitors than the other three
so next year more of my flowerbed space will be devoted to them.
The Katie
Ruellia, or Mexican Petunia, is another plant that I have introduced into
my flowerbeds. The purple flowers and compact growth make it an excellent
addition to a flowerbed. The only precaution I would take is making
sure it is planted in a locatiion where you do not mind if it reseeds itself.
It can become invasive is permitted.
Hibsicus
are another favorite of mine. These four hibiscus that I have pictured
were purchased nine years ago when I bought my first home. They are planted
in large pots so they can be taken in each winter.
Click on picture
for larger view
Brugmansia,
AKA Angel's Trumpets, are another wonderful addition to my backyard. Currently
I have 6 larger plants and 5 smaller ones that I have grown from seed.
The fragrance from these plants fill the yard in the late afternoon making
our daily afternoon swinging time much more pleasant.
Finally
there are the Plumeria. These are exotic plants that orginate in Hawaii.
The flower of this plant are used to make leis. I have to give my Uncle
Wayne a special "Thank You" for introducing me to these plants.
The latest
addition that have been made to our backyard this past year is a small
pond and a waterfilled whiskey barrel.
The
pond is home to two goldfish (thanks Peggy) and one koi while the barrel
only has one lonely goldfish. Waterplants in the pond include water lettuce,
one white lily, hyacinths, a mosaic plant, and parrot's feathers.
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