5 Easy steps to start a butterfly garden today!

5 Easy steps to start a butterfly garden today

I remember years ago when our boys were toddlers and playgroups were all the must! I stress must, because I truly would have gone insane staying home with a toddlers day in and day out. Outdoor activities with our boys were often. My Mom friends saved my sanity, and some even went on to be my very best friends, I still have today.

We lived in South Florida at the time and there was a group of around 10 women who gathered together each week for an outing with our toddlers.  We actually had a schedule of events once to twice a week.  Whether it be the zoo, pool, playgrounds, parks, etc.  I remember one playgroup that stands out the most to me.  It was a trip to a butterfly, birds and exotic plants garden.  I believe the garden was in the Coconut creek area. I want to say it was called Butterfly world.

Talk about a thrilling few hours not only for the kids but for the Mom’s as well.  From the minute we stepped out of the vehicles our toddlers were fluttering around the garden in delight.  It was a beautiful  garden and an educational day for the Mother’s as well.  The kids were too busy running around trying to catch the butterflies, I don’t think they learned much. I even recall soft classical music is played throughout the park, creating a relaxing atmosphere. And every so often a light mist would gently spray us to cool us down.

I did a little research and actually been considering creating my own butterfly garden.  I think butterflies hold meaning and beauty.  Every time I see one, I often think of a loved one no longer in the living here with us. To me it is always a sign of hello, I am fine, peaceful and in a beautiful place.

Butterfly Symbolism:

The butterfly symbolizes transformation and joy. Its dance reflects the need for movement from where we are to our next phase of being.

History

In early Christianity, the butterfly was a symbol of the soul. In China, it was used as a symbol of conjugal bliss and joy. The butterfly was particularly revered by the tribes of the American southwest. Its dance is performed by both Navajo and Hopis. In the Hopi tradition, unmarried girls of the butterfly clan wore their hair in the shape of butterfly wings to advertise their availability. To Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy and color. The exquisite butterfly was considered a miracle of transformation and resurrection. Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life. There is no doubt the butterfly has significant meanings to us.

 5 Easy steps to start a butterfly garden today!

Here are some basics to starting our own.  I am hoping one of you ladies perhaps can add to this if you have a butterfly garden.

1. Plant your butterfly garden in a sunny location (5-6 hours each day), but sheltered from the winds.

2. Butterflies need the sun to warm themselves, but they won’t want to feed in an area where they are constantly fighting the wind to stay on the plants.

3. It is also a good idea to place a few flat stones in your sunny location so the butterflies can take a break while warming up.

4. Butterflies need water just like we do.

5. Keep a mud puddle damp in a sunny location, or fill a bucket with sand and enough water to make the sand moist.

DO NOT USE PESTICIDES IN YOUR GARDEN!

Butterflies use two different types of plants – those that provide nectar for the adults to eat (nectar plant), and those that provide food for their offspring (host plant).

It is best to find out which plant species are native to your area and plant those rather than exotic species.  Looks like I need to look up what plants will do well in South Carolina.

Butterflies like: But note how well these flowers do in your region.

• Phlox. Phlox is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a blanket of blooms all summer
• Coneflower (Echinacea) Coneflower is one of the best flowers for attracting butterflies
• Lantana
• Bluesta  (Amsonia hubrichtii)

Butterflies like to perch on larger flower heads when they hunt nectar, collecting pollen on their legs and body as they search for food. Butterflies pollinate during the day while flowers are open and they have a better color perception than bees or even human.

Thanks for reading today. Hope you enjoy butterflies and gardens.  I am not much of an avid gardener like my Mom, but it doesn’t mean I am a lost cause either. Starting a butterfly garden, or perhaps even a fairy garden with the kids, or grands can be very special and rewarding. I left a few finds of fun down below that may help get your new hobby started. Enjoy.

Pin it, try it, enjoy!

My Mom’s garden HERE

Fairy Garden HERE

Have a great day everyone!

Debbie xo