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Astronomers at Lowell Observatory designed this garden in the shape of a butterfly by using a sophisticated computer program used for astronomical studies. The body of the butterfly is the main path through the garden and the veins in the wings are the secondary paths. W ith modest effort you can construct a butterfly garden or convert an existing garden not only to be a showcase of foliage and color, but also to attract many of these beautiful insects. You can provide nectar plants for the adults or a complete habitat, including food plants for larvae, if you want to study the insect’s life cycle. For more information see the Visitor Center for the Creating a Butterfly Garden bulletin.T he following are requirements for creating anattractive environment for butterflies:Sunlight—Place your garden in an area with strong or direct sun for at least three or four hours a day. Butterflies are sun-loving creatures. Blocks of color—Butterflies can see in color and have eyes sensitive to a wider spectrum than humans. Use any colors you wish, in whatever combination suits your taste, as long as you include well-defined splashes of color. Fragrant plants—Butterflies’ antennae are able to detect the aromatic nature of nectar-bearing flowers. Design a garden with blocks of fragrance, as well as color. Rocks—Being cold blooded, butterflies need places to bask and soak up warmth when clouds cool down the temperature. Water—Butterflies get as thirsty as we do on a hot Arizona day. A shallow basin of water or bird bath placed near your garden will attract many pollinators and provide them with water they need to drink. I n the winter, mulch butterfly gardens. In northern Arizona, pine boughs are used to insulate plants when snowpack is insufficient to protect them. Remove mulch in the spring to allow the ground to warm. |
Copyright © 2007 The Arboretum at Flagstaff
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