Friday, May 18, 2012

Butterflies-Welcome Them To Your Garden

 Butterflies on perennial hyssop
 
When people visit us here at the farm, they often marvel at the number of butterflies seen throughout the gardens.  A Star Ledger article by Ryan Hutchins informed us of a recent visitor to Pittsgrove, the Red Admiral, and we have noticed a number of egg cases on plants throughout the property.

There are a number of plants that you can add to your property to attract these beautiful insects.

John and I have been planting here at Pittsgrove since we've been married (believe me, that's a long time!) so we have a terrific number of plants to bring these beauties of nature our way. No matter the size of your property or your budget, there are plants that may soon make Monarchs, Swallowtails, Skippers, etc. seek out your garden.


 Petunia
Annuals such as zinneas, petunias, impatiens and verbena along with cosmos, nicotiana, and marigolds are all easily found in an abundance of colors at your local garden center or big box store. 


Yellow Swallowtail on hyssop
 
For long term success in enticing our winged delights to the garden, plant perennials such as yarrow, hyssop, butterfly weed, and peony. Thyme, mint, rosemary, and sage not only attract butterflies, but do double duty in your kitchen.

The butterflies go crazy here for our cone flower (echinacea) and black-eyed Susan (rudebeckia).
Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan
Butterflies like the plants they seek in warm, sunny, wind protected locations. 

It doesn't take a big budget to plant with these flying beauties in mind and they will reward you with a colorful dance of grace enthralling to behold.

Make a butterfly your friend!
Cheryl

2 comments:

plantlady said...

I love your photos but I believe your monarch is a Yellow Swallowtail

Pittsgrove Farms said...

Thank you, Plant Lady. You are correct and I made the correction. Your site is proof to our customers that peonies are truly hardy in northern climates.