Backyard Dreams: Attracting Butterflies

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Backyard gardens can be open invitations to all sorts of wildlife. By making a voluntary effort to include a few of their favorites, you can be assured that lovely butterflies will be close to the top of your guest list. If you wish for them to be more than occasional guests, consider making a few changes in order to furnish amenities that meet their basic needs: food, water sources, shelter and protection from predators. Fortunately, many of the things they thrive on can also add beauty for humans as well.

To get an idea of the way your garden would look from a butterfly's-eye-view, do a little research on butterfly habitats to help you to design your garden as it will seem to different species of butterflies that live in your area. Many books about butterflies now offer sections about backyard gardens. You need not spend a lot to get started or make some modest changes. From the viewpoint of wildlife, rare or exotic plants are often no better.

Designing A Backyard Wildlife Haven

Perhaps you have already spotted some wildlife in your backyard garden. First, you would be wise to take an inventory of your backyard plants. You need to make a list, attempt to identify them and decide which ones you are going to keep and which ones are beyond salvaging. Now you can do some checking to see if some are already butterfly-approved. In most places, butterflies are seen only part of the year, but their life cycles continue all year around. This means that trees, shrubs and bushes, and lots of flowers are part of the overall garden as well. In each category, you will find choices that serve wildlife. Many are cheap and plentiful and will naturally do well where you live.

As you check around, pay attention to those varieties of each plant which are recommended for butterfly gardens. Both perennial and annual plants are inexpensive ways to add color, increase diversity and entice your winged friends. The most versatile additions draw birds and bees and other beneficial insects, which are energetic pollinators if you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden. Start gradually, by either replacing your least favorite plants or adding a few wildlife favorites or even a wildflower mix to a bare spot. Sharing your backyard with wildlife can be as effortless as doing what you would do anyway, but making sure that each change has at least one wildlife benefit as well.

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