Creating a Butterfly Haven in Your Garden: Tips for Year-Round Gardening | Lifestyle

As spring blooms in full force, butterflies are set to make a grand appearance in yards across the Pikes Peak region. While planting the right flowers is a good start, there are additional steps you can take to attract these beautiful pollinators to your garden.

One key way to attract butterflies is by keeping your plants insecticide-free. Insecticides pose a threat to butterflies at every stage of their life cycle, so it’s important to ensure that none of the plants in your yard contain harmful chemicals that could harm these delicate creatures.

Another important factor in attracting butterflies is providing a water source. Butterflies need to stay hydrated, so having a shallow dish of water with a flat rock for them to land on is ideal. You could also consider creating a mud puddle in your yard to supply minerals and salts that butterflies need.

In addition to providing water and insecticide-free plants, offering butterfly-friendly food sources is crucial. There are many native plants in the Pikes Peak region that butterflies love, and incorporating some of these favorites into your garden can help attract these fluttering visitors.

Some great nectar sources for butterflies in the region include Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan), Penstemon sp. (beardtongue), Monarda sp. (bee balm), Lupinus argenteus (silver lupine), Gaillardia (blanket flower), Erysimum capitatum (wallflower), and Achillea lanulosa (yarrow). These plants not only provide food for butterflies but also add beauty to your garden.

In addition to nectar sources, including host plants for butterflies in your garden can encourage them to stick around and lay eggs, ensuring future generations of butterflies in your yard. Some caterpillar host plants to consider include Asclepias sp. (milkweed), willows, cottonwoods, and Gambel oak.

By incorporating a variety of butterfly-friendly plants into your garden, you can create a welcoming habitat for these important pollinators and enjoy the beauty they bring to your outdoor space. And if you have any questions or need assistance with your garden, you can reach out to the Colorado Master Gardeners in El Paso County for expert advice and guidance.

So, as you enjoy the sights and sounds of spring, don’t forget to keep an eye out for butterflies fluttering by your yard. With a little effort and the right plants, you can create a haven for these delicate creatures and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.