TOP 10 TIPS TO ATTRACT BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES TO YOUR GARDEN
10) BE PATIENT
It can take some time to attract wildlife into an environment that is unfamiliar and possibly dangerous for them. Understand that it could take several seasons and plenty of experimenting to find out what works to coax them in, and what doesn’t.
9) PROVIDE SHELTER
Birds and butterflies need places to shelter from the weather and safe spots where they may rest. Birds will naturally seek out shady branches, secluded arbors, and intentionally-placed nesting boxes. Butterflies prefer to shelter out of the wind, so plant flowers attractive to them in a sunny, protected spot next to a wall, a vine-covered fence, or a hedge of shrubs.
8) MAKE IT COLORFUL
Birds and butterflies are attracted to bright colors, so make be sure to add bright splashes throughout your landscape. Red is a favorite of both species, and hummingbirds are especially drawn to red, pink, and orange flowers that are tubular in shape. In addition to reds and oranges, butterflies will be drawn by purples, blues and whites.
7) PROVIDE VARIETY
In order to maintain appeal year-round, offer a well-balanced variety of plants. Evergreens that go unnoticed in spring and summer provide both shelter and berries during the winter. Create different mini-habitats by planting at various levels. If possible, include some woodsy patches, sunny open areas, and meadow-like borders that connect them.
6) MINIMIZE LAWN
Butterflies and songbirds prefer brush or mixed woodland areas, while wide stretches of lawn attract starlings, pigeons, and other species that compete with songbirds. Consider interrupting big stretches of lawn by adding more trees, border hedges, shrubs, and flower beds. Small, fruit-bearing trees are especially desirable because they will not cover your yard in shade.
5) OFFER WATER
Birds and butterflies both need fresh, clean water to drink. Provide an elevated bird bath to discourage predators and make sure the water is not more than a few inches deep. Placing some stones in the water so that they break the surface will provide a safe resting place for butterflies and bees while they perch to drink.
4) PLANT TO PROVIDE FOOD
Add to the supply of foods that attract birds by planting species that yield nuts, seeds, and fruit throughout the year. Even pine cones are rich in nutritious seeds and hungry birds love them. Birds will flock to crab apple, white pine, spruce, hemlock, and flowering dogwood. Butterflies will be drawn to marigolds, zinnias, mint, lavender, parsley, carrot, and Queen Anne’s lace, and many fruits.
3) GIVE THEM A FEEDER
Choose a spot for your bird feeder that’s visible from indoors so that you can enjoy their presence without the birds feeling unsettled by traffic, noise, and prowling pets. A high perch within 6-10 feet of a tree is an excellent location for your feeder and provides a quick escape if one is ever needed. Some birds only feed from the ground, so when filling the feeders (try to have more than one) scatter a fair bit on the ground below.
2) SHUN CHEMICALS
Plant native species that are innately resistant to pests and use only natural ways to control pests and weeds, if necessary. Chemicals are indiscriminate killers and will wipe out helpful creatures along with the pests. Your best defense will be the creatures you’re trying to attract, because birds thrive on insects and worms and will keep things in balance.
1) DO YOUR RESEARCH
Learn which birds and butterflies live where you do and research how you can help them thrive. Your local garden center and state university cooperative extension program can be good sources of information. Assess your property and start keeping a journal of your efforts and results. Begin by making small, gradual changes over the course of several planting seasons. The perfect landscape for birds and butterflies is one rich with places to rest, things to eat, and protection from the weather—not a closely manicured lawn and neatly dead-headed flower beds.
