From caterpillars to beautiful butterflies ~ your butterfly garden is where it will happen.

Host plants will keep caterpillars happy and full!
Now that you have attracted butterflies to your gardens...how do you keep them there? In addition to planting flowers that butterflies will feed on, you need to include plants known as host plants.
Group several host plants together so they will be easier for butterflies to spot. Butterflies lay their eggs on host plants on which their newly hatched "young ones" will eat. Emerging caterpilars will be very hungry so make sure they have plenty to munch on. Determine what kind of butterflies live in your area and then pick several host plants to include in your garden or yard.

Here is a small example of butterflies and their host plants:

Host Plant	Butterfly
Milkweed	Monarch Butterfly
Spicebush	Spicebush Swallowtail
Parsley, Dill, Fennel	Black Swallowtail
Thistles	Painted Lady
Willow, Poplar, Elm	Mourning Cloak

Butterfly gardens provide a window into nature that one has only to peer through to gain personal enjoyment:

1. They provide excellent opportunities for photography and other artistic endeavors.

2. They introduce children to the wonders of nature.

3. They add color to your outdoor environment.