Creating Your Own Butterfly Sanctuary

Did you know you can do so much in your own yard to create a butterfly haven? Bees and butterflies are excellent pollinators, so doing our part to attract and care for them is important. Your butterfly garden doesn't have to be large. In fact, it could just be a few plants or pots.

Kentucky's diverse landscapes provide an ideal canvas for attracting and nurturing these enchanting winged creatures. Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Research Native Species: Before you start planting, familiarize yourself with native butterfly species in Kentucky. Native plants not only support local ecosystems but are also better adapted to the region's climate. Consider including Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), Golden Alexander, Aster, and Butterfly Weed to attract specific butterfly species like Monarchs and Swallowtails.
2. Choose Butterfly-Friendly Plants: Opt for a variety of plants that provide nectar, food, and shelter for butterflies. Some excellent choices include Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, and Liatris. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also serve as a buffet for butterflies. Zinnias are not native plants, but are still an excellent choice for nectar. 
3. Create a Sunlit Haven: Butterflies thrive in sunny spots, so choose an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Ensure there are also shaded spaces for butterflies to rest and escape the heat during the warmer months.
4. Provide a Water Source: Like all living beings, butterflies need water. Set up a shallow butterfly bath or place damp sand in a sunny spot to create a mud puddle, which butterflies use for essential minerals. You can use a shallow dish for food like over-ripe fruits as well.
5. Include Host Plants: To support the entire life cycle of butterflies, incorporate host plants where they can lay their eggs. For example, Milkweed is a "must have" host plant for Monarchs. Watching caterpillars transform into butterflies adds an extra layer of enchantment to your garden.

We'd love to see your butterfly habitats and, if you're in Kentucky, come see ours! We have a small butterfly house we have filled with native plants and release butterflies into each spring for enjoyment, entertainment, and pollination. The farm is typically open Saturdays in June.