Waukesha County Home

JUNE 2019 HOME 3 Last month we talked about gardening for bees, but butterflies are also declining in numbers in recent years. So another pur- poseful garden would be a butterfly garden. Are you sensing a theme this year? Pur- pose gardens are not only trendy but impor- tant for the protection of our natural world. Nothing seems to warm the heart of a gardener more than the sight of butterflies fluttering about. Have you ever wondered why butterflies seem to be flying around so haphazardly looking like they don't have a clue what they're doing? Well, have no fear, this is nor- mal. Butterflies taste with their feet. So this hopping around is actually a sophisticated search for their favorite foods (nectar plants) or egg-laying sites (host plants). Butterfly gardens need five essential ele- ments to be successful. They must include host plants, nectar plants, water, shelter and sunny open areas. Host plants are those plants that adults lay their eggs on, and will eventually become food for their growing larva. Each species of butterfly has its own favorite plants. For example: Monarchs prefer milk- weed, where the black swallowtail prefers parsley or dill. Other host plants are numerous herbs, daisies, violets, snapdrag- ons, asters, hollyhocks and zinnias to name a few. If you want more than one species of butterfly, plant a diversity of host plants. Nectar plants are those plants that pro- vide food for the adult butterfly itself. Those flowers that offer clusters are more popular then single flowers because they offer a multiple food source, therefore less travel- ing from plant to plant. The larger butter- flies, such as monarchs and swallowtails, also prefer flowers with a large landing area. You'll want to plant several bloom shapes in order to attract different species. Also, group your flowers together to pro- vide multiple nectar sources and to help limit travel time for them. Fragrant flowers are favored over non-fragrant and flowers in the sun are favored over shade. Also, flowers of red, orange and yellow are but- terfly magnets. Some great nectar plants include bee balm, black-eyed Susan, coneflower, Joe Pye weed, butterfly weed, asters and phlox. But- terfly bushes and lilacs are also popular. Butterflies are not able to get all their nutrients and water from flowers. A muddy puddle, or an area of wet sand, is needed in order for them to suck up necessary salts, minerals and water. For an extra water source, try placing a rock in your bird bath for them to perch on and drink. Since butterflies are cold-blooded, they need a safe place to roost on cool, cloudy days. Shrubs, tall grasses, butterfly houses and even firewood piles provide adequate shelter. A safe, sheltered area protects them from both predators and the elements. A sunny open area around your garden is also a must. Butterflies like to bask in the sun. A well-positioned rock in an open area of your garden will work perfectly. Now that you understand the butterfly a little better, and the plants and environ- ment they prefer, you can start planning a butterfly garden of your own. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturalist at Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) MICHAEL TIMM Creating a garden that butterflies flock to Another purpose-driven planting In addition to sunny spots, keep in mind the landing area for butterflies seeking nectar. Photo courtesy of Michael Timm When planning a butterfly garden keep in mind five essential elements: host plants, nectar plants, water, shelter and sunny open areas.

• Cover