How to Turn Your Garden into a Butterfly Sanctuary

It’s easier than you think to attract pollinators!

A recent study published in the journal Science found that the U.S. has lost 22% of its butterflies in just 20 years. Even common species are declining, likely due to habitat loss, climate change, and insecticides. But the good news? Gardeners can help!

Inspired by today’s Washington Post article by Monica Cardoza, I want to share how planting the right native plants can create a haven for butterflies, right in your own backyard.

Why Butterflies Need Our Help

Butterflies aren’t just beautiful—they’re also essential pollinators. But their survival depends on having access to two things:

Nectar-producing plants – These provide the food butterflies need for energy.

Host plants – These are where female butterflies lay eggs, and where caterpillars feed before transforming into butterflies.

Unfortunately, habitat destruction and the widespread use of pesticides have made it harder for butterflies to find these essential plants. That’s why pollinator gardens—especially those using native plants—are more important than ever.

How to Create a Butterfly-Friendly Garden

The best way to attract and support butterflies is to plant a mix of native host plants and nectar plants that bloom throughout the seasons. Here’s how to get started:

🌿 Plant Native Nectar Sources

Butterflies rely on nectar-rich flowers for energy. Choose a variety of plants that bloom from early spring to late fall, such as:

Milkweed (essential for monarchs)

Coneflowers

Black-eyed Susans

Zinnias

Bee balm

🌳 Include Host Plants for Caterpillars

Each butterfly species needs specific host plants where they can lay their eggs. Some great options include:

Milkweed (Monarch butterflies)

Parsley & Dill (Black swallowtails)

Tulip trees & Black cherry trees (Eastern tiger swallowtails)

Spicebush & Sassafras (Spicebush swallowtails)

🐛 Avoid Pesticides

Many store-bought plants are treated with neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide that remains in the plant and can harm caterpillars and butterflies. Instead, choose plants from nurseries that specialize in pesticide-free native plants.

☀️ Provide Sunlight & Shelter

Butterflies are cold-blooded, meaning they need the sun to warm their bodies for flight. Plant flowers in sunny spots and provide small rock piles or logs where butterflies can rest and hide.

Ready to Transform Your Garden?

Creating a butterfly-friendly garden doesn’t just help pollinators—it also adds beauty and biodiversity to your space. Whether you have a small yard, a community space, or a large garden, I can help you design and install a pollinator-friendly garden tailored to your location and local butterfly species.

As the Victory Gardens Coach, I specialize in:

✅ Selecting the best native plants for your area

✅ Designing gardens that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators

✅ Helping you maintain a thriving, sustainable landscape

Let’s work together to turn your outdoor space into a butterfly sanctuary!

📩 Get in touch today at info@victorygardenscoach.com to start planning your pollinator garden.