Butterfly Gardens

Planning a garden around a specific theme or interest is
often requested by our clients. Consider fulfilling an area of your landscape with
a pond, or a garden specifically designed to attract butterflies.

Often these same gardens become havens for hummingbirds and
songbirds as well. These gardens must be situated in a sunny location (5-6
hours a day), but sheltered from the winds. Butterflies need the sun to warm themselves,
but they won’t feed in an area where they are constantly fighting the wind to
stay on plants. It’s also important to include a few flat stones in the bed for
the butterflies to warm themselves. Another important aspect is the inclusion
of a water source in the bed; a “mud puddle” or damp sandy area are wonderful
additions.

Winnetka, IL., Schmechtig Landscapes

Butterflies use two different types of plants – those that provide
nectar for the adults, and those that provide food for their offspring (host
plant). Combining both types of plants will ensure a garden visited all summer
long by native butterflies. With the addition of a few other nectar-producing
plants, you can attract hummingbirds to the bed as well. Some of the plants we
use in our designs include asters, butterfly bush, butterfly weed, blanket
flower, coreopsis, goldenrod, coneflowers, verbena and lantana. It’s best to
combine both annuals and perennials in the bed to provide a constant source of
nectar. Even adding a few of these plants to the perennial beds will attract
butterflies to your landscape. Have fun with your landscape and add a special
garden to enjoy these beautiful summer visitors.