I’ve been quietly observing our fluttering friends, the butterflies, as they dance their ways through the landscapes we cultivate. As I’ve immersed myself in the magic of these creatures, several observations have surfaced that have reshaped my approach to gardening. I’d like to take a moment to share these insights with you, in the hope they might inspire your own garden journey.
The first thing that struck me was how much butterflies relish the tall, flowering plants of summer. The height of these flowers seems to provide an aerial sanctuary, away from the grasp of predators and offers an enchanting sight of butterflies swaying in the breeze.
However, to truly invite these beautiful creatures into our spaces, I’ve found the key is abundance. One single ‘Jeana’ Phlox paniculata, for instance, is unlikely to draw their attention. But imagine a cluster of fifty! This profusion of flowers acts like a beacon, making our gardens easy to find, and providing a nectar-filled refuge that keeps butterflies coming back.
The size and continuity of our gardens matter too. I’ve noticed that butterflies prefer spaces where they can glide unimpeded from bloom to bloom, without the need to journey between distant islands of their favourite plants. This observation has led me to cultivate larger, unbroken expanses of butterfly-friendly flowers.
Interestingly, I’ve also found that butterflies appreciate their flowering plants unencumbered by tall grasses. The access to blooms seems to be important, highlighting the need for clear, unobstructed plantings.
All these reflections underline that gardening isn’t just about the plants. It’s about the narrative we weave with nature, the shared dialogue with the earth, and the appreciation for the myriad tiny miracles that unfold in our gardens each day.
As we continue to shape our gardens, remember, we’re not just crafting a landscape - we’re crafting experiences, a ballet of life in which we are both audience and participant. So let’s keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep planting. Together, we’ll discover the next magical secrets our gardens have to reveal.
Till then, stay curious, stay inspired, and as always, keep on gardening! 🌺🦋
