My Butterfly Garden

by Shelyn
(Cleveland, OH)

Every year I plant a flower garden in my yard. Last year I decided to plant a “Butterfly Garden,” because butterflies fascinate my young daughter. I didn’t know where to start so I started to do research online. I first researched which types of butterflies where in my area and then decided which butterflies I wanted to try to attract, there are almost 150 varieties of butterflies in my area. Then I researched which plants would attract those butterflies. All of the plants would be easy to grow because they are native to my area.

I visited my local garden center and bought all of the flowers and plants that would attract the butterflies to my garden, such as Violet, Marigold, Lilac, and Aster. I also bought a butterfly house. This gives the butterflies a place to go to get protection from the weather and wind. I also bought a nectar feeder, that way they would have an additional food source. Providing food and shelter for the butterflies ensures that they will stay longer in your garden and it will also attract more butterflies to your garden. In addition to being able to enjoy the beauty of these beautiful creatures you will also be helping conserve these butterflies. Many butterflies are disappearing.

My garden is a huge success! I had lots of butterflies visiting my garden daily in the summer and plan to make my “Butterfly Garden” a permanent part of my summer gardening. We moved our yard furniture closer so we can watch and enjoy all of the butterflies in our garden. It’s a relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon.

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