Attracting Butterflies to your garden !!!

Creating a successful Butterfly Garden involves attracting a wide variety of butterflies and encouraging them to return the next season. The best way to do this is to plant both nectar-producing and host plants. The nectar-producing plants need to provide flowers that bloom throughout the season, especially in mid- to late summer when most butterflies are active. These plants should be grown in open, sunny areas, as the adults of many species rarely feed on plants in the shade. The host plants should offer a source of food and shelter for larvae and a place for adults to lay their eggs.

Plant a variety of nectar-rich plants, as well as shrubs and evergreens for shelter. Grow a wide range of host plants to provide food during butterflies' larval (caterpillar) stage.

Avoid using pesticides, especially around nectar-producing plants. Even the use of some organic or biological controls can harm butterfly larvae.

Provide a shallow source of water (try a birdbath with pebbles lining the bowl). Place a rock in a sunny spot for basking and resting. Create a "puddling area" by digging a shallow hole filled with compost or manure where rainwater will collect and release essential salts and minerals.

Now if attracting men were just as easy !! LOL