Who doesn’t love butterfly gardens? If the idea of bountiful flowers alive with the fluttering of colorful wings appeals to you – but you don’t have a lot of yard space to devote – you’re in luck: even small spaces can accommodate a butterfly garden.
Size Matters: Many of the plants that attract butterflies require space to sprawl, so choose large pots, planters, or alternate containers
Pick a Location: While butterflies are attracted to sunny areas, it’s also a good idea to situate the containers near a wall to block wind and provide the insects with shelter if needed.
Butterfly Beverages: Butterflies aren’t able to drink from ponds or bird baths – they prefer shallow sources of water like puddles
So create your garden in an area where water collects after it rains, or create your own puddles around the garden to give your winged friends a place to sip.
Need Nectar: Butterflies love nectar-producing plants like sweetpea and marigold.
Choose a diverse range of plants to attract different species, and be sure to include a few taller plants to provide additional protection from strong breezes.
Which plants you choose may also depend on your region. Search the Internet for a local butterfly club to get more information on which butterflies frequent your area – and how to attract them.