The Conscientious Gardener by Sarah Reichard

Author:Sarah Reichard [Reichard, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: University of California Press
Published: 2011-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

Butterflies

Insects can be desirable wildlife too: for instance, many people enjoy having butterflies in their garden. Their larvae (caterpillars) often need to eat specific plant species, which extension agents and libraries can help you identify. Remember that those caterpillars chewing your leaves may soon turn into beautiful butterflies or moths. And once they reach adulthood, they will sip the nectar of many species, pollinating the flower in the process. Garden centers can help you choose plants to attract adult butterflies and often have special displays showcasing them. You can also appeal to butterflies with small amounts of fermenting fruits mashed up with sugar and placed around the garden. These might attract less-desired wildlife too, however. Some wildlife experts also suggest providing mud puddles so the butterflies can add minerals to their diet. In general, butterflies like open, sunny areas that are not too windy—ideally with some rocks that will heat up in the daytime, since they need to bask each day in a warm place. They are not afraid of humans, so you can put your butterfly garden near a patio or deck where you can sit and watch them. Cats, however, will want to catch them, so keep your pets in mind as you design your garden.

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