-
Step 1
Decide where you will be planting your garden. You need a location with plenty of sun and protection from strong winds. You can plant along a wall, building or hedge. A nice spot is in front of your window so that you can look out from while you are working at your desk.
-
Step 2
Make a list of the different kinds of butterflies that you want to attract , then make a list of the plants that grow in your area, which will attract these butterflies. You need to consider two types of plants- nectar plants and host plants. Nectar plants are plants that butterflies like to feed on. Host plants are plants that butterflies lay their eggs on.
-
Step 3
Try to find established gardens in your area and see what plants are attracting the most butterflies. The most important characteristics of a good butterfly plant are shape, color, and fragrance. Look for flowers packed tightly in a head. Popular colors are purple, lavender, and pink. To attract a variety of butterflies, have a variety of colors. Go to your local garden store and have them assist you. If you have a Master Gardener' s group, contact them.
-
Step 4
Plant your taller flowers and plants behind the shorter ones. Be sure to have several types, which bloom in the late summer and early fall as this is when butterflies are the most abundant. Mass plantings of a flower are more attractive than just one or two of each. A butterfly bush is an ideal bush for the corner of your garden.
-
Step 5
Add some butterfly houses to help attract them and some butterfly feeders. Add a supply of dark rocks or mass of dark pebbles for the butterflies to rest and warm up.
-
Step 6
Some flowers that attract butterflies are perennials of asters, bee balm, butterfly weed, mums, purple coneflower, rosemary and yarrow. Annuals are impatiens, marigolds, phlox, sunflower zinnia, verbena.
