Attracting Butterflies

Fill the air with fluttering wings

Butterflies are perhaps the most beautiful insects in the natural world. There are many species with different shapes, colors and sizes, and the calming sight of a butterfly landing and soaking up the sun is something that everyone appreciates, whether you're a gardener or not.

Where did butterflies get their name? Many cultures, including the Anglo-Saxons, believed that butterflies were witches that turned into insects at night so that they could steal butter and cream. Many people in the colonies of the New World believed this as well. There are many cultures that refer to the butterfly as “soul” - the idea that our souls turn into butterflies is an endearing and magical one. Whatever you call them, these metamorphosed insects are fun to watch and wonderful to study. You can learn how to attract them to your yard using food, feeders and plants.

Butterflies eat nectar from flowers found around your garden. You can provide this naturally with nectar-producing plants like butterfly bushes, or you can provide commercial nectar in a feeder especially built for butterflies. Butterflies are also attracted to food like overripe fruit. Whatever you decide to feed your butterflies, you'll need a feeder to hold it all. You can learn to make your own feeders or see what's available to buy at your local pet or outdoor stores. Don't forget to provide the butterflies with a water puddle, as well - butterflies need water first and foremost to survive.

When the night gets chilly, butterflies like to find a place to sleep and shelter from the cold winds. Natural shelters include shrubs and fences with lots of vines, but you can provide a house that will also protect the butterflies from predators. These houses can be functional or decorative, depending on your taste. There are many to choose from, or you can build your own as a great winter project for the kids.

The best way, of course, to attract butterflies is to plant flowers that they will eat nectar from. There are many different species that won't just attract butterflies, but may also attract birds and other animals. They will also look wonderful in your garden, creating a colorful sanctuary for you to watch the butterflies flutter around your yard.