Dad was a Master Gardener who helped to design and install the butterfly garden at a local school. He put his heart and soul into making that garden a special place for children to learn and enjoy. Ever since his passing, whenever I see a butterfly, I naturally think of my dad.
If you are thinking of planting a butterfly garden, pick a sunny location that is preferably protected from the wind by a fence or wall. Certain shrubbery and small trees also help to provide shelter during inclement weather.
Utilize both host and nectar plants in your garden. The butterflies will lay their eggs on the host plants and the larvae (caterpillars) will quickly devour the foliage for much needed energy. The next stage will be that of the pupa in which the butterfly begins to form. Once the butterfly emerges it will need food provided by the nectar plants. Even fruit such as watermelon or mangoes that you place in the garden will delight these little creatures.
Have you ever seen butterflies standing beside a mud puddle? They are actually drinking the water and taking in amino acids and dissolved salts. By burying a plastic container, i.e. a litter box, at ground level, and filling it with damp sand in or near your butterfly garden you can provide this necessary water source.
Popular host plants can range from butterfly weed to passion vine to hibiscus to roses and many more. Nectar plants include but are not limited to blanket flower, coreopsis, lantana, salvia and plumbago.
The palette of choices is immense. Combined with your creative imagination and design techniques you to can make your own memories or provide a joyful learning experience for children of all ages.
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