Butterflies, with their delicate beauty and graceful flight, can add a touch of magic to any garden. Discover how to attract these enchanting creatures with a homemade butterfly feeder and learn about the species you might encounter in your garden.
What Do Butterflies Eat?
Butterflies primarily feed on flower nectar, using their long proboscis to sip from blossoms. Surprisingly, they also absorb minerals from mud and enjoy overripe fruits, tree sap, and sweet liquids.
Do They Need Water?
Unlike other animals, butterflies don’t drink from ponds. Instead, they practice “puddling” on moist soil or sand to absorb essential salts and minerals. You can create a puddling spot in your garden by placing a shallow dish with wet sand or gravel and adding a few rocks for perching.
How to Make a Butterfly Feeder?
You can craft a simple and effective butterfly feeder using readily available materials:
- Ripe Fruits: Place them on a dish to attract butterflies with their scent.
- Simple Syrup: Mix sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio and pour it onto a sponge or around fruits to provide a sweet treat.
Creative Feeder Ideas:
- Use a perforated metal object like a Moroccan lamp to hold fruits.
- Place a colorful sponge soaked in syrup on a plate.
- Combine a small bowl with a larger plate, glue them together, and hang them on a tree with fruits and syrup.
- Wrap fruits or a syrup-soaked sponge in a net and hang it from a tree.
Species Found in France
Explore the diverse butterflies you might spot in European gardens:
- Swallowtail
- Aurora
- Blue Argus
- Marigold
- Plantain melee
- Day Peacock
- Red Admiral
- Cabbage moth
Capture their beauty in photos and share your sightings with us on our Facebook page and in our “Gardening: Grandma’s Tips” group.
Creating a butterfly-friendly environment in your garden not only adds visual charm but also supports these important pollinators. Enjoy the serene presence of butterflies fluttering among your flowers and feeders, bringing joy and vitality to your outdoor space. Happy butterfly watching!
