Resumo de Butterflygarden

The author explains the simply way for Butterflygarden.in this he says you have to follow four steps.

Step 1 - A Butterfly Survey. The first step in planning a butterfly garden is to conduct a butterfly survey for your area. You should plan on spending at least 4 or 5 hours a day (between mid-morning and early afternoon) on at least three warm, sunny days to determine the status of butterflies in your area. You will find binoculars or a net (for capture and release), a field guide, and a notebook useful. In your notebook record the butterfly species you see and their local nectaring choices. Also inspect the site closely to determine what types of wildlife and insect life already live there. Try to disrupt the natural environment as little as possible.
Step 2 - Site Selection. The best site for a butterfly garden is one that is sunny (for at least 5-6 hours each day), calm (protected by a sheltering windbreak), and relatively undisturbed (only occasional visits and disturbances by humans). A water supply is also a valuable consideration. Keep this in mind: the more natural the area the greater the number and diversity of butterflies attracted
Determine what type of soil you have. Is it sandy, clay, wetland, well-drained, or very dry? This is very important to know when you select the plants. It's a good idea to have the soil tested. This will provide you with valuable insight into the chemical makeup and condition (texture) of your soil. The soil testing lab will gladly provide you with suggestions for improving soil fertility and drainage, if needed.
What types of trees are in the area? This is important since most moth larvae eat tree leaves; leaves are also the food plant for some of the swallowtails and the mourningcloak. Some trees also produce flowers attractive to adult butterflies
Step 3 - Choosing Your Plants. Successful butterfly gardens incorporate two different types of plants (from the butterfly perspective, that is)Larval food plants are those on which the eggs are laid and the caterpillars feed. Nectar plants provide nourishment for the adult butterflies. While it is possible to design a butterfly garden with only nectar plants, the number of butterflies visiting these gardens will be lower than those gardens that incorporate larval food plants. When you include larval food plants you give the butterflies a reason to "stick around" for longer periods of time by making it possible for them to mate and reproduce there, as well as get a good meal
There are four basic guiding principles (1) place shorter plants in the front (or outside edges) and taller plants in the back (or center); (2) place larval food plants in hidden and less obvious areas; (3) plant in large groups of one color rather than single plants of different colors; and (4) plan for a continuous bloom through the entire growing season with spring, summer, and fall blooming plants. Before you put any plants in the ground, however, sit down and draw a sketch or two - remembering to consider sun, wind, and access to shelter and water. Only after considering all the possibilities is it time to visit the nursery!
Step 4 - The Finishing Touches. Including any of the following items will improve the attractancy of your garden to butterflies: (1) damp spots or shallow puddles (for drinking); (2) large field stones (for basking);(3)
a butterfly feeder (for supplemental nectaring); (4)butterfly hibernationboxes(for overwintering)And don't forget, avoid the use of pesticides in and around your butterfly garden!

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