A Layout for a Butterfly Garden
Once you have decided to create a butterfly garden, the next step is planning its location and layout. There are numerous possibilities, but a few key considerations must be observed in order for your butterfly garden to attract and keep butterflies. Does this Spark an idea?
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Protection
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Butterflies are cold-blooded and need the sun to help warm them. They are also susceptible to injury from high wind. Factor in a wind break around your garden and place it where it will receive at least six hours of sun each day.
Plant Height
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Plant the taller plants to the rear and sides of the garden to add to the protection from wind. Shorter plants should be placed in the center and in the front. Mid-sized plants can be scattered between the taller and shorter one to give a natural appearance to the garden.
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Flower Selection
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Butterflies have an easier time finding groups of same-color flowers rather than single specimens. Plant flowers so that there is always something blooming at different times of the day and throughout the growing season. If you are interested in a particular species of butterfly, find out what flowers and host plants it prefers and incorporate these into your layout.
Access
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Plan a path through the garden so that you can access plants for maintenance or simply so you can enter the garden without disturbing the plants; stepping stones work nicely for this purpose.
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References
Resources
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