To welcome the butterflies, first welcome the caterpillars! Through the process of metamorphosis, the caterpillar devouring your dill and parsley today may become the luminous swallowtail butterfly flitting through your garden next week. Pansy worms become fritillaries. Caterpillars on Virginia creeper may become sphinx moths. To help you identify the larval form of garden guests, bring a photo to our Garden Advisors!
For adult butterflies, plant flowers that offer a wide landing pad, like bee balm, liatris, and coneflower. Provide a shallow pebble tray of water for puddling. You can also plant for specific butterfly populations! Creating a Monarch Waystation in your garden is a fun family project that provides habitat for beloved monarchs.