Butterfly-Friendly Herbs for the Garden

With increasing awareness of the risks of certain pesticides to essential pollinators like butterflies and bees, modern gardeners are turning to plant selections that foster these beneficial insects by providing attractive habitats and food sources free from harmful chemicals.

 

To allure butterflies, gardeners should focus on vibrant blossoms and establish a safe haven where these insects can feed on nectar and find shelter and hydration. Butterflies and bees thrive in organic environments free from toxins, making them excellent indicators of a healthy garden ecosystem.

 

In addition to various colorful garden flowers, several common herbs lend themselves well to a butterfly garden, adding visual appeal and aromatic fragrance. Here are five essential herbs to consider incorporating into your butterfly-friendly garden space:

 

Catmint, Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb that demands a strategic planting approach due to its vigorous growth. Beyond its feline appeal, catmint acts as a strong attractant for butterflies. While you may need to protect catnip from enthusiastic feline visitors, this herb comes in various sizes and forms, making it adaptable to different garden landscapes.

 

Chives, Allium schoenoprasum, are clumping herbs that maintain their position in the garden, gradually expanding over time without invasive tendencies. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the fluffy blossoms of chives, making them a valuable addition to a pollinator garden. Regular division enables chives to thrive and continue attracting beneficial insects.

 

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, stands captivating at 3-4' feet tall, enticing a myriad of insects, including Monarchs. Caution is advised when harvesting fennel to safeguard Monarch caterpillars, allowing them to develop into butterflies undisturbed. Avoid planting fennel near dill, as it may affect their growth. Consider growing two patches of fennel, one for your use and another left untouched to serve as a sanctuary for butterflies.

 

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is known for its aromatic beauty and a favorite among beneficial insects and humans. Lavender is a versatile choice for various garden styles, with numerous varieties ready to plant at the garden center. Apart from its aesthetic value, lavender yields essential oil with healing properties. By cultivating lavender in your garden, you can enjoy its soothing benefits while attracting various insects. Lavender thrives in hot, dry conditions and blooms from early to late in the growing season, making it a vital addition to any butterfly garden.

 

 

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, stands out as a robust herb in a butterfly garden. It boasts a spicy scent and enduring flowers that persist even under harsh conditions. While known for its medicinal properties, yarrow's showy blooms sustain butterflies throughout the growing season. Yarrow can spread aggressively in its native form and can be used in various colors and shapes. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent yarrow plants from flopping due to waterlogging.

 

Integrating these five herbs into your gardens will attract more butterflies this year. Your garden's visual appeal is enhanced with beauty and butterflies, a win for everyone. Prioritizing these herbs benefits your garden and contributes to conserving vital insect populations.

Insider Vegetable Tip – Planting pollinating herbs in or near your vegetable garden offers a wonderful array of benefits, like having helpful neighbors tending to your crops! These herbs become magnets for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. These pollinators are essential for the successful fruiting of many vegetables, like squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes. By attracting them, you're ensuring better pollination and, therefore, a more abundant harvest.

 

Beyond pollination, many of these herbs also attract beneficial insects that prey on common garden pests. For instance, dill and fennel can attract ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids. The strong scents of some herbs, like basil and rosemary, can even deter certain pests directly. It's a natural, chemical-free way to keep your vegetable patch healthy and thriving. Plus, you get to enjoy fresh herbs for your kitchen – a true win-win!

Take a Free Garden Class and Learn More! Free Garden Classes every Saturday in June @ Watters Garden Center.

June 7 @ 9:30 am - Growing Better Berries & Grapes

Berry, grape, fig, and pomegranate are all covered in this juicy, fast-paced class. You will have bowls of fruit picked fresh from the gardens after this class.

June 14 @ 9:30 am - Top 10 Flowers that Love Summer Heat

We share the fastest-growing plants for fast screening. Block unsightly neighbors, enhance your view, and cut noise and light pollution. Design experts are on hand for unique situations.

June 21 @ 9:30 am - Best Trees for Bushels of Fruit

This class shares the most vigorous fruit trees and insider tips for producing bushels of apples, pears, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, and more. A particular focus is on planting cocktail trees for small-yard success.

June 28 @ 9:30 am – My First Garden - Gardening for Newcomers

This class shares the most vigorous fruit trees and insider tips for producing bushels of apples, pears, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, and more. A particular focus is on planting cocktail trees for small-yard success.

 

Until next week, I'll be helping local gardeners attract more butterflies here at Watters Garden Center.