Butterfly Gardening for the Whole Family
Encourage Learning, Healthy Nature Connection by Raising Butterflies
Feb 10, 2009
Nothing epitomizes summer like butterflies flitting from flower to flower or dancing in the sprinkler. Not only is the presence of butterflies a delightful addition to outdoor events, upon closer examination the process of inviting butterflies into the home garden can be a multifaceted educational activity for children, an enriching experience for adults and an enhancement to the health and well-being of the entire family.
Research has shown that activities like butterfly gardening renew an innate need all human beings have to stay connected with nature. Read more about the multitude of physical,emotional and spiritual benefits that nature-based activities yield in the Suite 101 article Connecting with Nature Matters.
Raising butterflies from caterpillars is an exciting, hands-on activity that provides opportunities to incorporate entomology, botany, environmentalism, family and consumer sciences, and psychology lessons into a fun, entertaining and creative project. Once the kids (and adults) get started, they will be hooked on the many wonders of nature for life.
Research and Identify Local Butterflies and Butterfly Plants
Begin by researching butterflies common to the local area. Check the public library's state collection for area specific books about butterflies and gardening, or search the Internet, pinpointing species most common to the region. Information-packed region-specific butterfly gardening brochures are available from a number of organizations like the North American Butterfly Association. Use this opportunity to learn together as a family.
Gather information about the scientific system of naming (binomial nomenclature), the role of butterflies in the environment, the stages of metamorphosis, and natural enemies of caterpillars and butterflies. Next make a list of local butterflies to raise, their favorite nectar plants, and the food plants of their caterpillars.
Choose a Butterfly Kit or Plan a Butterfly Garden
Determine if you want to buy a kit or plant a garden. Kits contain full instructions and larvae and are available primarily online. They come complete with containers, food, and larvae. If you use a kit, prepare a location to set up the kit that encourages frequent observation. Follow the instructions and watch the magic unfold! Have a journal or camera handy to record the activity.
Planting a butterfly garden takes more effort, but provides long-term butterfly watching opportunities and can be an extended family activity that incorporates learning about landscaping, plant care and organic gardening principles. Choose a sunny spot in the yard or on a patio, then from books and data gathered about nectar and host plants, make a rough drawing of what plants will fit the space and how they should be arranged. Have the kids group the plants by size, color, and spacing requirements, ensuring that sun exposure and watering requirements can be met. Keep it age-appropriate and simple enough to hold the children's interest – containers on the patio work as well as a large garden bed.
Prepare for Eggs, Caterpillars and Butterflies
If properly researched, planted and cared for, a butterfly garden will attract butterflies quickly, with eggs and caterpillars not far behind. When caterpillars appear in the garden, transfer a few to a "nursery" made from an old gallon jar or aquarium ventilated with a screen or hole-punched lid to prevent them from escaping. Place a few leaves in the bottom to catch droppings, and a branch or stick for the caterpillars to hang from when pupating. Locate in a safe, easily observed spot, and provide fresh cuttings from the host plant daily.
When butterflies emerge, carefully release into the garden where they can begin to gather nectar right away. Either open the container and place outside where they can get out on their own, or remove them while clinging to a twig or branch. Do not touch the butterflies, as their wings are very delicate at this stage. They will hang around the garden until their wings dry and harden, then move on to repeat the cycle once again.
Raising butterflies from caterpillars is a wonderful outdoor project with enormous possibilities for reconnecting children and adults with the educational and healthy aspects of nature. So bring nature in close this spring. Raise some butterflies!
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