Gardens are an important stepping stone between natural habitats and conservation efforts. Consider planting a butterfly garden to invite butterflies to your garden and to help conserve these beautiful creatures. Here are some gardening tips to create a serene garden space for you to enjoy butterflies flitting among your flowers.

When planning your butterfly garden, there are two types of plants to consider – nectar plants and host plants. Nectar plants like marigolds and coneflowers are the plants that butterflies like to feed on. Host plants like alfalfa and clover are plants that butterflies lay their eggs on and their caterpillars like to feed upon. It is important to remember that different butterflies prefer different nectar plants, and some like more than one kind. Plant several types of nectar plants, especially ones that bloom in the late summer and early fall as this is when butterflies are the most populous.

A few gardening tips to help turn butterflies into regular visitors include planning for a shallow pond in your garden. Strategically-placed rocks may serve as resting and sunning spots for butterflies. Don't use insecticides and pesticides as they discourage butterflies as well as many other types of pollinating insects from visiting a garden.
Other gardening tips for butterfly gardening include adding some decorative elements to your garden, such as a butterfly house and some butterfly feeders. If you wish to add hibernation boxes, provide sufficient food and water and attach the boxes to a tree or post one in a shady place near host plants.

Keeping your butterfly garden looking great also means caring for your garden tools. Always spray any dirt or mud off of tools once you are finished working. Dirt and sap left on garden tools spread soil-borne diseases and weeds; they also attract moisture that can cause your tools to rust. Use fine steel wool or a wire brush to clean your tools. Always make sure they are dry before you put them away. Garden tools with wooden handles need a little special care. Once a year, lightly sand the handle and apply some boiled linseed oil to a rag and rub it into the handle to seal the wood and keep it free of splinters.

By following these tips, you can create a lovely habitat for butterflies in your own backyard.