Butterflies and hummingbirds are just a few of the attractions that
become backyard fare when the right plant materials are part of any
landscape.
Butterflies
Butterflies bring smiles to all who see the whimsical wisps of colors
in flight. Attracted only to flowers with nectar, these brilliant marvels
of nature can see colors that range from ultraviolet to red on the extreme
end of the spectrum. The most successful butterfly gardens are lush
with plants that appeal to specific species.
The Giant Swallowtail, for example, is one of the country's largest
butterflies and loves the California climates. Dressed in a black suit
with bright yellow markings, this showy butterfly comes with a gold-tipped
tear-drop at the bottom of each wing. The adaptive flitter, a fabulous
garden jewel with a wing spread that can reach six inches, is attracted
to several easy-to-grow plants, such as azalea, bougainvilla and lantana,
a hardy and salt-tolerant shrub.
Butterflies emerge from caterpillars, which are often mistaken for
garden pests because they dine on plant leaves. Garden enthusiasts who
choose to attack the “problem” with commercial pesticides
and insecticides kill the developing butterflies. Almost without exception,
plants that the caterpillars feed on quickly sprout new leaves, so the
bare spots are temporary.
To nurture a successful butterfly garden, establish the area as a “no
spray zone.” The butterflies will reward you with splashes of
nature’s handiwork, and you will make an incomparable contribution
to the environment that supports all life.
Hummingbirds
By happy happenstance, gardeners discover hummingbirds love some of
the same favorites of the butterfly kingdom, such as nectar-laden red
and purple blossoms. The tiny aerodynamic marvels stretch their menu
choices to include orange, pink and blue. Because hummingbirds are attracted
to such a wide range of flowering ground covers, vines, shrubs and even
hanging plants, your gardens can be showy displays of brilliant blooms
in an array of colors and plant varieties.
Native plants are fabulous additions to any garden. They are attractive
to wildlife and need little care. Natives are naturally resistant to
pest infestations, require little water beyond natural rainfall and
enhance any landscape or garden.
There are no rules for planting hummingbird haunts, and gardens can
be as creative as the gardener. We suggest choosing plants that throw
showy blooms, add clusters of species instead of random plantings and
choose items that need little care and maintenance. Some charming and
brilliantly colored native plants can also be used as accents –
scarlet monkey flowers, hedge nettles in the shady areas, native columbines
and snapdragons.
My Botanica is a premier source of environmentally sensitive products
and pest control options for gardens and landscapes. Our team of professionals
welcomes the opportunity to answer your questions, provide information
to help you create a nature-friendly garden and choose the best products
for your landscape and garden projects. Please call toll free 1-888-722-4308.
