Butterfly Gardening

Lesson 1: Butterflies

Metamorphosis

Changes

You chances for success increase when you understand the life cycle of the butterflies which you are planning to attract. So where does it all begin?

Butterflies begin their life as an egg, laid either singly or in clusters depending on the species. A very tiny caterpillar emerges and, after consuming its egg shell, begins feeding on its host plant.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars must crawl out of their skin or molt, usually around five times, before changing into a pupa. Finally, an adult butterfly emerges, spreads its wings and flies away. This type of development is complete metamorphosis.

Benefits, Personal

Butterfly gardens are a great source for your own enjoyment, photo opportunities, or an outlet for artistic talent. These gardens can also be extended to interest youth in nature, by providing a small window of native inhabitants of the local environment. As you are planning the garden give thought to plant diversity. A backyard with a variety of different plants generally attracts more wildlife species besides butterflies, and is often more attractive in appearance, as well. A variety of plants also offers a greater choice of food and cover.

Variety

Providing a variety of different species will alleviate many seasonal or weather-related effects. For example, unfavourable conditions such as very cold winters or drought may cause some plants not to bear fruit. Other plants such as some oaks bear fruit only in alternate years. Planting a variety of different species helps ensure a steady food supply every year.

Final Note

On a final note, it's important to conserve butterflies when possible since their habitat is constantly diminishing due to the increasing needs and consequent development of roads and housing. We can undo some of the damage that an expanding human population has caused simply by planning for wildlife such as butterflies when we develop our property.

Habitat Creation

For me, habitat creation is one of the most important reasons to use butterfly plants, both nectar and host, in my garden design. I want to encourage a natural, healthy ecosystem to evolve and to design a space where Life flourishes.

I recommend the use of butterfly plants to all my clients, even if they do not have a specific interest in butterflies .We can not only create a space for the small ones to thrive but we also create the conditions for our gardens to grow naturally with a minimum of input and a maximum of pleasure. It does not have to be a major undertaking. You can add a few plants to an existing garden and the result will be beneficial.

Size does not matter. What you plant does.

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