Butterflies?

When I was a kid I remember seeing butterflies in the garden. But this year I've not seen a single butterfly.
What kind of things could I plant to attract them and give them the environment they need?


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Hi Alan, I'm lucky enough to be seeing lots of butterflies this year, here's what I've done to try and attract them;

• leave a patch of nettles if you can in a sunny spot
• plant some wildflowers
• plant nectar rich perennials/shrubs such as sedums & buddleia
• provide shelter/hibernation boxes for species that hibernate
• take a look at this link, loads of info http://butterfly-conservation.org/292/gardening.html

 

I have buddelia and Verbena Bonarisis and they love both.

Rusty

 

Any specific wild flowers? I've planted plenty of bee friendly plants this year but didn't think of the butterflies. *hangs head in shame*
Ive got lots of Lavender, 5 different varieties, love the colour and smell and the bees seem to love it especially the javelin variety.
They seem to like Lupins, Cornflower and Globe thistles too.


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ive had a few in the garden, mainly on the Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'

My parents have a lot on their herb patch, not sure what they have there, but I know mint was a favourite for the butterflys last year.

 

Hi
Just a thought .. One of my previous centres had a butterfly farm/attraction on it..... One of the main plants I had to supply was new guinea bizzie lizzie as butterfly's thort the nectar was like a gift from the gods.........
It might be worthwhile growing some in pots or in the borders

 

Welcome to GC, alan16ac

Different species of butterflies are attracted by different things. Nettles will encourage a Comma butterfly, buddleia encourages another (can't remember which), long grass offers a breeding space for others and my most favourite butterfly, the Holly Blue, I know is attracted by ivy

I think there are some species which are also attracted to fruit windfalls, but I can't recall which ones

So, in essence: a diverse array of plants, fruits, grasses and certain weeds all have their role to play in the life cycle of a variety of species