Blog
Milkweed, Monarchs, and More: How to Support Butterflies in Your Backyard
May
There is something magical about seeing butterflies flutter through the garden. Beyond their beauty, butterflies play an important role in local ecosystems as pollinators and indicators of a healthy environment. With a few thoughtful plant choices and habitat features, you can create a backyard that welcomes butterflies throughout the growing season.
At Bolton Garden Center, gardeners are discovering how easy it can be to create spaces that support butterflies while adding color and life to the landscape.
Why Butterflies Need Our Help
Butterfly populations face challenges from habitat loss, pesticides, and a decline in native plants.
By creating butterfly friendly spaces, you can help provide:
Food sources for adult butterflies
Host plants for caterpillars
Shelter from weather and predators
Places to rest and reproduce
Even a small garden can make a meaningful difference.
Start with Milkweed
Milkweed is the most important plant for monarch butterflies.
Why it matters
Monarchs lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed, and caterpillars rely on it as their only food source.
Popular varieties include:
Common Milkweed
Butterfly Weed
Swamp Milkweed
Adding milkweed is one of the best ways to support monarch populations.
Plant for Continuous Blooms
Butterflies need nectar throughout the season.
Choose a mix of plants that bloom at different times.
Spring bloomers
Provide early season food sources
Summer bloomers
Support peak butterfly activity
Fall bloomers
Help migrating butterflies fuel up for their journey
A succession of blooms keeps your garden active from spring through autumn.
Include Butterfly Favorites
Many flowering plants attract a variety of butterfly species.
Coneflowers
Black Eyed Susans
Lantana
Verbena
Salvia
Zinnias
Planting in groups makes flowers easier for butterflies to find.
Create a Butterfly Friendly Habitat
Butterflies need more than flowers.
Provide sunny areas for basking
Add flat stones where butterflies can rest
Offer shallow water sources
Leave some sheltered areas for protection from wind
These simple features make your garden more inviting.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Many pesticides can harm butterflies and their caterpillars.
Choose natural solutions when possible
Encourage beneficial insects
Focus on healthy soil and strong plants
A balanced garden often requires fewer interventions.
Think Beyond Monarchs
While monarchs receive much of the attention, many other butterfly species benefit from butterfly friendly gardens.
Swallowtails
Painted Ladies
Fritillaries
Sulphurs
Skippers
A diverse garden supports a wide range of pollinators and wildlife.
Why Build a Butterfly Garden?
Adds beauty and movement to your landscape
Supports local ecosystems
Creates learning opportunities for families
Provides enjoyment throughout the season
A butterfly garden is one of the most rewarding projects you can create.
FAQs About Butterfly Gardens
Is milkweed the only plant butterflies need?
No. Milkweed is essential for monarch caterpillars, but adult butterflies also need nectar plants throughout the season.
How much space do I need?
Even a small garden bed or container planting can help support butterflies.
Should I use native plants?
Yes. Native plants are often the best food sources for local butterflies and pollinators.
How do I attract more monarchs?
Plant milkweed and provide nectar sources that bloom throughout the growing season.
Can butterfly gardens also attract bees?
Absolutely. Many butterfly friendly plants are also valuable food sources for bees and other pollinators.
Visit Us This Season
Ready to create a butterfly friendly backyard? Stop by for milkweed, pollinator plants, and expert advice to help you build a garden that supports butterflies and other beneficial wildlife.
1262 Boston Turnpike
Bolton, CT 06043
(860) 649-6364
Spring Hours
Monday through Friday • 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday • 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday • 9 AM to 4 PM
Now Open for the Season. We are grateful for our customers, friends, and growers, and look forward to helping your garden thrive.