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THE  CENTRAL SCHOOL BUTTERFLY  GARDEN  PROJECT

BRING IN THE BUTTERFLIES!

WHY ATTRACT BUTTERFLIES?  Butterflies add living color and beauty to our gardens.  They are fun to watch, and are the sign of a healthy environment.  We know that the presence of butterflies indicate clean air, with no use of pesticides.  

There is a legend that states that the name "butterfly was associated with a butter colored fly seen flying in early spring.  Or perhaps the word evolved from "flutter-by." 

UNDERSTANDING THE LIFE CYCLE

In order to begin a butterfly garden, it is important to understand the life cycle of these insects.  Butterflies belong to the insect order "lepidoptera," meaning "scaled wing."  They undergo a complete metamorphasis...that is, they change form completely, four times during it's life.  From the egg to caterpillar, then chrysalis, to the adult butterfly, these changes form the life cycle.  Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars begin to feed, first on the egg case, then on the leaves of the plant it has hatched on.  The caterpillars grow over several weeks, molting it's skin 4-5 times.  Finally, the caterpillar sheds its outer skin, called a pupa.  This pupa hardens into a chrysalis, and inside is the butterfly.  The adult butterfly mates and seeks a particular type of plant to lay eggs.  Therefore, the plants selected for the butterfly garden should include "host" plants.  

The adult butterflies feed on nectar producing plants, many of them fragrant.  These kinds of plants should also be included in the garden, along with the host plants.  Some of the most popular host and nectar plants are will be discussed later on this page.

ATTRACTING THE ADULT BUTTERFLY - Some interesting facts

Adult butterflies can see more colors than humans.  They prefer flower colors with red, orange, yellow, purple, and dark pink.  They can smell through tiny holes in their antennae, and depending on the species, can detect fragrance for up to 2 miles.  Think like a butterfly and you will find that a colorful selection of nectar plants will encourage them to land in your yard as they fly around in the air.

They taste with their feet.  Many nectar and host plants have broad flower clusters or umbrels, which act as a "landing pad" which the butterfly can rest while sipping nectar.  They sip this nectar with a straw-like mouth part called a proboscis.  It curls up when not in use.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR BUTTERFLY GARDEN

When planning your butterfly garden, choose a sheltered site, in FULL SUN, AWAY FROM WIND.   The wings absorb heat, like solar panels.  If you have an open area, plant Cherries, Hawthorns, Poplars, and Willows or other trees as a windbreak.  These trees will also be attractive to butterflies.

Use a shallow container with wet sand, or make a puddle for a watering spot.  Butterflies like to form "clubs," and congregate around a muddy puddle to take in nutrients and minerals.  A shallow container could be a saucer or lid sunken into the soil, with some sand in it, and water just to cover.

Be sure to include more than one kind of nectar plant, and also include larva plants to keep the cycle going.  Just like you have preferences for dinner, the butterflies also favor certain plants over others, and enjoy a variety of plant nectars.

KINDS OF PLANTS

Both nectar and Larva plants can include certain species of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, and grasses. Be sure to plant more than one kind of nectar plants and larva plants.  Also, use plants that bloom at different times, to keep the adult butterflies around throughout the season.

FAVORITE NECTAR PLANTS:        

Ageratum
Aster
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Blanketflower (Gaillardia)
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
Catnip
Coreopsis
Cosmos
Daisies
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Heliotrope
Hydrangea
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium)
Lantanas
Lilac
Mallow (Malva)
Marigolds
Phlox
Pinks (Dianthus)
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Salvia
Sedum
Sunflower
Sweet Alyssum
Verbena
Viburnum
Yarrow (Achillea)
Zinnia

BUTTERFLY HOUSES...DO THEY WORK?   The theory behind the butterfly house, is for the butterfly to use the box as cover from the cool days of autumn.  In nature, butterflies crawl between rocks, logs, or wooded material when the weather turns cool. But there really hasn't been any evidence that a butterfly will actually select the butterfly box over a rock or log pile in your yard or your neighbor's yard.  It's like when people search for homes...they are selective about the place they want to live, and there are lots of choices that cover a large area.  I really think that, despite good intention, the boxes are merely ornamental, and that the chances of a butterfly actually using them are slight.  Be aware that other insects may find it more favorable to their needs, such as wasps and bees!

No bird feeders, houses, or bird baths should be in the butterfly garden.  Birds are major predators of butterflies and larvae.  You don't want to defeat the purpose and call in the birds, only to have them eat butterflies and caterpillars for dinner.  Leave the balancing to nature; there will be birds eating some of them anyway.

LARVA PLANTS FOR EGG-LAYING

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Any suggestions or questions?
Send them to Fran at homegardener@yahoo.com