| Recently I spotted this beautiful Pearl Crescent Butterfly in my garden. I had never seen one before, but can now add this species to my list of garden visitors. Smaller than a Monarch, this pretty butterfly is only 1 - 1.5 inches long and is loaded with gorgeous detailing. |
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Butterflies in the gardenI am often surprised by the diversity of insects, birds, amphibians and small mammals that a garden can bring. Butterflies such as Monarchs, Red Admirals and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails are common Minnesota butterflies that frequently alight on garden flowers, but as my garden grows so too does the variety of creatures that either visit the garden or call it home. I am thrilled when I find a new species of any type, like the Pearl Crescent Butterfly above, enjoying the garden. I may garden in a populated area, but the wildlife always finds its way.
Remember, your garden, no matter how large or small (even a pot of flowers!) can and does play a vital role in providing habitat for all manner of wildlife. Your flowers combined with your neighbor's create even larger habitats. It's important to create habitats and allow the animals and insects to use them because the natural habitats are decreasing all over the country.
Ways to help:
Leave natural areas like a small area of 'weeds' (I'm serious!) or pile of decaying wood in a corner of your yard. These types of natural spaces create safe havens and provide food sources for insects and butterflies.
Become a citizen scientist. Last fall I posted a blog about tagging Monarch Butterflies. Read the post here. Now is the right time to get involved. Monarchs will be starting their southern migration in a few weeks and the tagging kits can be ordered now at www.monarchwatch.org.
Plant plants that pollinators love. Here are some common pollinator friendly plants:
Aster Cosmos Rudbeckia Coneflowers Ammi majus Scabiosa Tithonia Salvia Phlox Agastache Cerinthe Chives Mint Delphinium Geum Poppies Snapdragons Bachelor’s Buttons Galardia Lupines Marigolds Pansies Sunflowers Verbena bonariensis Astillbe Campanula Calendula Dianthus Fushcia Nictotiana Russian Sage Sedum Zinnias…… |
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| Yellow: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Black: Red Admiral Butterfly. Both are common Minnesota garden butterflies. |
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