I've been noticing an array of delightful butterflies in my yard. If you would like to see more butterflies in your yard (for urban Butterfly lovers you can even use a small porch or open a window for a chance encounter) I've prepared a few tricks for you to try.
Transform Your Garden into a Butterfly Paradise: DIY Fruit Feeder and Easy Tips
Butterflies are the living jewels that adorn our gardens, captivating us with their vibrant colors and graceful flight. These enchanting creatures not only add beauty to our outdoor spaces but also play a crucial role in pollinating flowers and plants. To attract more butterflies to your garden, create a simple DIY fruit feeder and follow these easy tips.
Butterfly Fruit Feeder
1: Select Your Butterfly Bistro Dish
Choose a shallow dish that will serve as the perfect dining spot for your butterfly guests. Pick a dish with bright, bold colors that will catch their eye and draw them in like a beacon. After all, presentation is key when it comes to attracting these discerning diners!
2: Prepare the Butterfly Buffet
Next, it's time to prep the main course. Take your chosen fruit and slice it up or mash it slightly to create a juicy, irresistible spread. Overripe fruit is particularly popular among the butterfly crowd, as it's easier for them to digest and provides a sweeter treat.
3: Add a Nectar-Inspired Nightcap
To really get the butterfly party started, you can whip up a simple sugar solution that mimics the nectar they can't resist. Just mix some water and sugar until dissolved, then soak a sponge or cotton balls in this sweet elixir. Place them in the dish to keep your feeder moist and mouthwatering.
4: Set the Stage for Your Butterfly Soirée
Now that your feeder is ready, it's time to find the perfect spot for your butterfly bash. Look for a sunny, sheltered location near other butterfly magnets like colorful flowers or a babbling water source. If you want to elevate your feeder to VIP status, hang it from a tree branch or hook using a string or wire. Just make sure it's stable and won't send your butterfly guests flying when the wind picks up!
5: Keep the Feeder Fresh for Your Fluttering Friends
To ensure butterflies keep coming back for more, be sure to change out the fruit regularly before it turns into a rotten mess. Give the dish a good scrub between refills to keep it clean, fresh, and worthy of your winged VIPs.
More Tips to Create a Butterfly Haven:
1. Plant Butterfly-Friendly Flowers:
Butterflies are drawn to colorful, nectar-rich flowers like zinnias, marigolds, lavender, and butterfly bush. Plant these in clusters to create an inviting buffet for your fluttering friends.
2. Mow Less Often:
Let some areas of your lawn grow a bit longer, as this provides shelter and food sources for butterflies and other beneficial insects. Longer grass also allows wildflowers like clover and dandelions to bloom, which are popular nectar sources.
By creating a delightful fruit feeder and making a few simple changes to your garden, you'll soon transform your outdoor space into a butterfly paradise.
Expect to witness the magick of these enchanting creatures up close as they flutter and dance through your garden, bringing joy and wonder to all who behold them!
Blessing's & Love
-Lori Wayfair
