People's back yards are sometimes considered extensions of their personalities. Many who are concerned about the well being of our environment as well as the creatures that live in it provide refuges for the smaller living things that are close to their hearts. Butterfly gardens are becoming a popular method of beautifying a yard while providing a much needed environment for the propagation of the species.
Preparing the area may take some research into plants and flowers that are favorite foods of these creatures. Finding nectar sources for the adults and the proper food sources for the caterpillars can be done on the internet. Planting sources of food specifically for the caterpillars ensures that they will survive once they hatch. Finding out which butterflies are indigenous to your area helps to ensure success.
The plants you select should be a combination of annuals and perennials that will attract these creatures. It is recommended that when planting the perennials be located to the rear of the garden while annuals, that must be replaced each year, be placed in the front areas. Some gardeners plant a large butterfly bush mid-garden and place other selected flowers and bulbs around its base in rows that offer rotating blooming stages.
Placing feeders in the yard with nectar supplies is a good concept. Much like birds, butterflies can use the nectar as a supplemental source of food. Placing water dishes, and sand for puddling in the yard is helpful. Many people provide houses that are designed specifically for butterflies. They offer protection from predators and bad weather and provide charming additions to your landscaping.
The biggest threat to these colorful winged insects is the destruction of habitat by urbanization. Much of the land where they would naturally lay eggs and reproduce has been taken by construction of homes, factories and roadways. The Monarch is a classic example of this problem. The food their caterpillars need is called milkweed and it has been nearly eliminated from existence in the fields of America. The Monarch population has diminished tremendously in the last decade.
The use of pesticides also effects the number of butterflies in a given season. Use of them can destroy the adults as well as kill the caterpillars that feed on the affected plants. Use of earth friendly resources like ladybugs for pest control is highly recommended. Another method involves warm soapy water sprayed on the plants for aphid control.
Botanical gardens often raise butterflies and have a special area where they can be observed and interacted with on a very personal level. Benches are located in areas that they flourish in and visitors can experience having them land on their bodies and flutter around their heads while they rest. These sites are most popular during the spring and summer months while butterflies are plentiful. At the same time studies are being done by the botanists regarding the life spans and various life habits of them.
Wildlife gardening is a promising method of providing some of nature's most fragile and beautiful creatures a place to flourish and reproduce while immersing yourself in the life cycles of the natural world around you.
Preparing the area may take some research into plants and flowers that are favorite foods of these creatures. Finding nectar sources for the adults and the proper food sources for the caterpillars can be done on the internet. Planting sources of food specifically for the caterpillars ensures that they will survive once they hatch. Finding out which butterflies are indigenous to your area helps to ensure success.
The plants you select should be a combination of annuals and perennials that will attract these creatures. It is recommended that when planting the perennials be located to the rear of the garden while annuals, that must be replaced each year, be placed in the front areas. Some gardeners plant a large butterfly bush mid-garden and place other selected flowers and bulbs around its base in rows that offer rotating blooming stages.
Placing feeders in the yard with nectar supplies is a good concept. Much like birds, butterflies can use the nectar as a supplemental source of food. Placing water dishes, and sand for puddling in the yard is helpful. Many people provide houses that are designed specifically for butterflies. They offer protection from predators and bad weather and provide charming additions to your landscaping.
The biggest threat to these colorful winged insects is the destruction of habitat by urbanization. Much of the land where they would naturally lay eggs and reproduce has been taken by construction of homes, factories and roadways. The Monarch is a classic example of this problem. The food their caterpillars need is called milkweed and it has been nearly eliminated from existence in the fields of America. The Monarch population has diminished tremendously in the last decade.
The use of pesticides also effects the number of butterflies in a given season. Use of them can destroy the adults as well as kill the caterpillars that feed on the affected plants. Use of earth friendly resources like ladybugs for pest control is highly recommended. Another method involves warm soapy water sprayed on the plants for aphid control.
Botanical gardens often raise butterflies and have a special area where they can be observed and interacted with on a very personal level. Benches are located in areas that they flourish in and visitors can experience having them land on their bodies and flutter around their heads while they rest. These sites are most popular during the spring and summer months while butterflies are plentiful. At the same time studies are being done by the botanists regarding the life spans and various life habits of them.
Wildlife gardening is a promising method of providing some of nature's most fragile and beautiful creatures a place to flourish and reproduce while immersing yourself in the life cycles of the natural world around you.
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