It’s such a joy to now be spotting butterflies in the garden. There are several species emerging from their winter hibernation around this time including Peacocks, Commas, Brimstones, Small Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals.
Ernie Janes (rspb-images.com)
Nick Upton (rspb-images.com)
The fluttering movement and colourful beauty of butterflies can somehow seem like the cherry on the cake in a spring/ summer garden, admired by children, adults and experts alike.
As approximately 75% of British butterflies are in decline, they will appreciate all the help they can get from us keen wildlife gardeners, especially now with much needed nectar rich plants to refuel after winter.
Beneficial plants include:
Cosmos: an annual cottage garden favourite which blooms for months.
Cranesbill Geraniums: a cottage garden reliable staple. Rozanne being an AGM favourite.
Echinacea: a stunning white/ pink open coneflower.
Oxeye daisies: a perennial daisy looking good amongst grasses and in borders.
Sedum: an AGM late flowering perennial with dramatic pink flat flower heads.
(AGM refers to the term "Award of Garden Merit" awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society to plants that perform well in gardens: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/award-of-garden-merit)
Butterflies also seem to particularly favour many plants with blue and purple hues like: Agastache, Buddleja, Catmint, Lavender, Phlox, Scabious and Verbena Bonariensis.
There’s a comprehensive list of butterfly (and caterpillar!) friendly plants on the Butterfly Conservation website here: https://butterfly-conservation.org/how-you-can-help/get-involved/gardening/gardening-for-butterflies
As more and more flowers open through the spring, it will be a delight to hopefully see more and more butterflies gracing us with their presence.
There is also talk in the news that garden centres may soon again be opening their doors if social distancing can be adhered to; something to keep an eye on!