{"id":12045,"date":"2020-06-05T09:51:46","date_gmt":"2020-06-05T13:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/?p=12045"},"modified":"2024-09-10T09:53:30","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:53:30","slug":"bringing-butterflies-to-the-backyard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/blog\/bringing-butterflies-to-the-backyard\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Butterfly Garden in Virginia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Virginia’s diverse landscapes offer a perfect habitat for a variety of butterflies. By creating a butterfly garden, you can not only enjoy their beauty but also contribute to their conservation. Let’s explore how to attract these winged wonders to your backyard.<\/p>\n

What Are Butterflies Attracted To?<\/h2>\n

In spring, female butterflies will be mostly concerned with finding their species\u2019 specific host plants on which to lay fertilized eggs. Instinctively, they know they must find plants to ensure that their caterpillars will have appropriate food for survival after hatching. Both male and female butterflies will be looking for flowers with nectar for their own survival. And, they will be searching for shelter from rainy or windy weather, a sunny place for basking, and a source of water. Because many natural butterfly habitats in North America are disappearing at an alarming rate, it is becoming increasingly difficult for butterflies to find these necessities of life.<\/p>\n

Key Considerations for Virginia Gardens:<\/h2>\n

Starting a butterfly garden can be simple and rewarding if you follow these pointers!<\/p>\n

Sunlight<\/h3>\n

Butterflies love sunny areas, so choose a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Avoid Pesticides<\/h3>\n

Pesticides can harm butterflies and their larvae. By using pesticides you may be killing off the very insects you made your garden for!<\/p>\n

Make The Most of Your Space<\/h3>\n

You don\u2019t have to have a large area to get a response. Just a few select plants will spur some action. A combination of woody shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers works best, but using just a couple of plants can still yield results. Planting a section of wildflowers is an easy way to cover a problem area and lure some butterflies to your yard. If you don\u2019t have room for a garden, fuchsia, petunia, or impatiens hanging baskets will attract butterflies as well as hummingbirds.<\/p>\n