June 22nd

By Mutt Mulligan

How to make your yard a butterfly sanctuary

Nature starts at your back door, and that means pollinators like butterflies, birds and bees rely on the living landscapes in your yard. Whether you want to plant for migrating monarchs or simply provide food, habitat and shelter for the winged wonders that live in your family yard year-round, here are TurfMutt’s top tips for planting for butterflies.

• Plant Milkweed – Milkweed is a perennial plant that feeds monarchs and other butterflies and gives them a place to lay their eggs.
• Add Wildflowers – Do some research or ask your local gardening store about which wildflowers are native to your climate. Adding a colorful mix of wildflowers makes your backyard a perfect pit stop for pollinators (and it’s pretty!).
• Create Shelter Space – Winged insects need shelter to hide from predators and escape the elements. A dead tree creates nooks, while a wild hedgerow is an inviting nesting spot.
• Provide Water – Pollinators can’t live on pollen alone; they also need water to survive. A water garden, birdbath or rain barrel can help.

Learn more about the benefits of living landscapes and how to care for them.