Butterfly gardening is both therapeutic and environmentally friendly. It's also a great lesson on plant-insect interactivity for children of all ages. Butterflies, like all living creatures, need to be conserved and protected, but many species are endangered because their habitats are being constantly destroyed. You'll rid your garden of butterflies if you use toxic chemicals. The presence of butterflies in a garden is a sign of a pesticide-free environment.

A butterfly garden should provide variety, and cater to both adult butterflies and their larvae. In other words, nectar and larval host (caterpillar food) plants are the key to a successful garden. Many butterflies are also attracted to rotting fruit and water sources in the area.

Here's a simple list of plants that can easily be found locally; some are food for caterpillars and places for butterflies to lay their eggs (host plants), and some are nectar plants that provide food for adult butterflies:

A. Guide to some butterfly NECTAR sources:

*Plants of Asclepias curassavica (Milkweed) of several colors are sometimes available for sale. Price  starts at $5.00 for plants in 1 gal pots. Asclepias are the only food source for Monarch caterpillars. We also sell seeds of white, scarlet, orange, tangerine, and yellow Asclepias. These can be shipped worldwide. Please check our "Seeds" page for details on available seeds and methods of purchase.

Vivero Anones, Inc.
Tel (787) 827-3121 (evenings)
Email: sherryballester@yahoo.com