{"id":5785,"date":"2020-05-01T14:48:03","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T14:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aboutmpswr.wpengine.com\/?p=5785"},"modified":"2024-03-10T20:58:03","modified_gmt":"2024-03-10T20:58:03","slug":"how-to-create-a-butterfly-sanctuary-in-your-backyard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aboutmps.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-butterfly-sanctuary-in-your-backyard\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Create A Butterfly Sanctuary In Your Backyard"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Monarch<\/p>\n

H<\/span>ave\u00a0<\/span>you\u00a0<\/span>always liked the idea of creating a butte<\/span>rfly sanctuary in your backyard? It all begins\u00a0<\/span>in the planning sta<\/span>ges of your landscape design<\/a>. To<\/span>\u00a0attract butterflies<\/span>\u00a0you\u2019ll need some specific features to keep them fed,\u00a0<\/span>happy and safe from predators and inclement weather.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having an expert\u00a0<\/span>landscape design<\/a> and build team, like the one at\u00a0<\/span>MPS Property Services<\/span>, can help\u00a0<\/span>bring your\u00a0<\/span>butterfly sanctuary\u00a0<\/span>dream into reality<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Right Location\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Finding the ideal location in your yard is crucial when creating a butterfly sanctuary. Their wings are quite delicate, so it\u2019s important that the spot you choose is well protected from the wind.\u00a0<\/span>This can be accomplished by choosing an existing sheltered area or planting a\u00a0<\/span>row of small trees or hedges. Trees and hedges will also allow provide the butterflies<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a place\u00a0<\/span>to roost at night.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Butterflies are cold-blooded and rely on the sun for warmth<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0so<\/span>\u00a0it\u2019s important that they have access to at least 5 or 6 hours of sunlight each day<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Flat rocks placed in direct sunlight will absorb the sun\u2019s heat and provide a warm resting spot for the butterflies, helping them maintain the correct body temperature.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Installing a water feature or c<\/span>reating small puddling areas will help your butterflies get the required amount of water. Typically, they get water from tree sap, dew and nectar, but they can also benefit from additional water when the summer temperatures are high.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Monarch<\/p>\n

Selecting Plants<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

T<\/span>o attract<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>butterflies and\u00a0<\/span>keep them\u00a0<\/span>coming back, it\u2019s imperative to c<\/span>hoose the right plants. There are<\/span>\u00a0a range of plants that butterflies enjoy, so\u00a0<\/span>you can be<\/span>\u00a0creativity and select plants that work with your overall landscape design. Make a point of checking with your landscape design team or local nursery to\u00a0<\/span>ensure that the plants you\u2019ve selected are suited for your specific property<\/span>\u00a0and are known to attract butterflies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two principles you<\/span>\u2019ll need to consider are choosing<\/span>\u00a0plants that provide nectar to butterflies and\u00a0<\/span>host\u00a0<\/span>pl<\/span>ants that offer a spot to lay eggs and<\/span>\u00a0for<\/span>\u00a0hatched caterpillars to feed<\/span>. It\u2019s not a necessity to consider caterpillars in your landscape design, but if you can attract both, you\u2019ll have generations of butterflies calling your backyard home.\u00a0<\/span>Butterflies are most attracted to purple and yellow flowers and prefer simple open blooms that allow easy access to nectar.\u00a0<\/span>Here is a short list of nectar and host plants for your butterfly sanctuary:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nectar<\/span>\u00a0Providing<\/span>\u00a0Plants:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n