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Butterflies are a delightful addition to any garden, their vibrant colours adding a touch of whimsy to herbaceous borders. Familiar species like the Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock complement our blooms perfectly.
However, due to factors like climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss, many butterfly populations are declining. Thankfully, there's a significant contribution we can all make in our own gardens.
The cornerstone of a butterfly friendly garden is a selection of nectar-rich flowers blooming throughout the growing season, ideally from March to November. Additionally, incorporating caterpillar food plants allows butterflies to complete their life cycles within your garden.
Butterflies thrive in sunny, sheltered locations. Plant nectar-rich flowers in such spots, perhaps in front of a hedge, for optimal benefit.
Spring flowers are crucial for butterflies emerging from hibernation or migrating from Europe. Excellent choices include Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve' and Walberton's Fragrant Sunshine (which extends its bloom into summer and autumn), Aubrieta, Violets, Wallflowers, Primroses, Hyacinths, Bluebells, Grape Hyacinths, Lilacs, and Sweet Rocker.
Wallflowers
Summer offers a wealth of nectar-rich options: Buddleja, Verbena bonariensis, Lavender, Marjoram, Red Valerian, and Hebe. Honeysuckle, Cranesbill, Catmint, Cosmos, Feverfew, Helenium, Echinacea, and Heliotrope are also butterfly favourites.
Red Valerian
Autumn blooms provide butterflies with valuable energy reserves for over wintering. Consider Hylotelephium (Sedum) spectabile, Michaelmas Daisies, Ivy, single Chrysanthemums, and Heather.
Regular watering, particularly during dry spells, ensures plants maintain nectar production. Mulching around the base of plants retains moisture and provides essential nutrients, promoting overall plant health.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming, translating to more nectar for butterflies.
While adult butterflies sip nectar, their caterpillars have specific dietary needs, feeding on the leaves and buds of plants like nettles, holly, ivy, and Lady's Smock (Cardamine pratensis). Including these plants in your garden facilitates the completion of the butterfly lifecycle.
Insecticides, particularly those used near flowering plants or caterpillar food sources, can be detrimental to butterflies and other pollinators like spiders, ground beetles, and ladybirds. Weedkillers also eliminate crucial food plants for caterpillars.
Leaving fallen fruit from pear, apple, or plum trees in autumn provides sustenance for some butterflies, including the Red Admiral and Painted Lady, who enjoy the sugary juices.
Several butterfly species, including skippers, Meadow Browns, and Gatekeepers, rely on native grasses for their caterpillars. Leaving designated areas of grass uncut allows these butterflies to potentially breed there. Wildflower turf or native wildflowers planted amongst the grasses provide additional nectar sources for adult butterflies.
Butterflies need to spread their wings and bask in the sun to raise their body temperature for optimal flight and activity. Large-leaved plants, rocks, stepping stones, and bare soil patches are all ideal basking spots.
By incorporating these measures, you can create a haven for butterflies in your garden, fostering a vibrant ecosystem and enjoying the beauty of these fascinating creatures.
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