Butterfly Gardening

Butterflies are not just pretty. They pollinate flowers and other plants, are a food source for predators and their sensitivity to pesticides and toxins allows us to use them as an indicator of a clean environment. Never use insecticides in a Butterfly Garden.

How do you start a Butterfly Garden? First, determine what species of butterflies are present in your area. Photographs of many common butterflies in Kentucky can be found on the University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture web page. The photographs are by Thomas G. Barnes, University of Kentucky Associate Extension Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist.
Once you have determined what butterflies are present, the web sites below will provide you with the information you need to select a location and plants for a food source. The life cycle of the butterfly is also discussed on many of the pages. This is important because you not only need flowers in your garden as a food for adult butterflies but also plants that the adults will lay eggs on and the caterpillars will use as their food.

The following sites will provide you with information on everything from plant selection to garden design to make your butterfly garden a success:

Butterfly Gardening University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture
Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants Thomas G. Barnes, University of Kentucky Associate Extension Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist
How to Make Butterfly Gardens by Stepanie Bailey former University of Kentucky Extension Specialist
The Smithsonian Institute presents The Butterfly Habitat Garden©:Copyright The Smithsonian Institute
Butterfly Gardening and Conservation©:Copyright Missouri Department of Conservation
Beneficial Insects in the Home Garden ©Copyright University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Insectary Plantings ©Copyright 1998 Integrated Farming Systems Oregan State University

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	Original document: 10 May 2003 Last updated: 10 May 2003