North Texas is a wonderful place to start a butterfly garden. The migratory paths of many species pass through our area on their way to sunnier climates. Others types of Lepidoptera live out their entire lifecycle in Texas. This makes it easy to successfully integrate delicate, winged visitors into your Dallas landscape design. You can provide food and shelter for both immature and adult butterflies depending on the plants you cultivate.

 

Growing visually stunning blossoms is not the primary reason to create these gardens. Butterflies drink nectar and often locate their food sources by smell more than sight. However, some of the flowers used in this type of landscaping are nonetheless very beautiful. This is because many nectar producing flowers have also evolved to attract other animals (such as bees and hummingbirds) that do rely primarily on sight during foraging.

 

Environmental Responsibility

 

One purpose for cultivating this type of vegetation is to provide a viable habitat for butterfly species that may have rapidly depleting numbers. Currently, there are no known endangered species of Lepidoptera in Dallas. Landscape designs that sustain the insect population, however, also help support larger animals such as birds.

 

Since butterfly gardens need to be kept free of pesticides and herbicides, you are helping out by providing a chemical-free refuge. Lepidoptera are considered an indicator species. A degraded environment tends to disrupt the life cycle of butterflies. If they are thriving, this generally means the local ecosystem is pretty healthy overall.

 

Growing Food and Host Plants

 

Butterfly gardens are typically very easy to nurture. You should promote good soil conditions for local plants and for non-native species. This does not necessarily require extensive treatment. Aggressive amendment could actually be counterproductive since native species are already adapted to the soil here. Generally, the dirt in the “Blackland Belt” is mostly clay. It is rich in nutrients and can be made even better with just a little compost.

 

If you grow plants that normally live in the wild, they may need less moisture than you are used to providing for your landscape. Too much water can be counterproductive - especially for wild flowers germinated from seed. Clay soil drains slowly, so be careful not to overwater. Most nectar producing flowers do well in full sun, but there are exceptions. Verify these details during the design phase so you get the placement of your garden right on the first try.

 

Easy Start Butterfly Gardens

 

You can grow a butterfly garden directly from a kit using mixed zinnia seeds. These flowers produce an energy-rich nectar that will tempt a variety of butterfly species in the Southwest U.S. Most of these flowers will also be drought resistant. A mix of single bloom varieties provides a spectrum of color for you to enjoy. ‘Cut and Come Again’ zinnias will attract many kinds of Lepidoptera. For example, the Blue Point Mix will attract American Painted Ladies and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. For real one-stop shopping, buy a butterfly bush. It can attract dozens of varieties of butterflies including Buckeyes and Fritillaries.

 

Parsley and dill are extremely easy to grow and provide food for Black Swallowtail caterpillars. If you love Monarchs, incorporate milkweed into your Dallas landscape design. This plant can be grown from cuttings, so keep simply collect a starter from a local crop. Small areas of pasture land where horses graze are a good place to look. For more help in making your landscape beautiful and wildlife-friendly, ask for a free consultation.