Don't forget to plant them in a sunny area, protected from strong winds and if you stagger
a selection of plants that bloom at different times of the day and year and
you will have a steady supply of butterflies to enjoy and for incredible photo opportunities.

Every state and region has plants that are native species and easy to grow and while their is
a short list below - The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has lists of recommended native
plants by state and region.

Butterfly attracting plants: Marigold, Hibiscus, Lilac, Lavender, Oxeye Daisies, Purple Coneflower
Aster,Black Eyed Susans, Marigold, Mint, Red Clover, Butterfly Weed, Flowers and Lillies, Thistle
Winter Cress, Queen Anne's Lace are but a few.

It is also a good idea to place a separate area of native flowering plants and weeds like dandelions,
milkweed and nettle to ensure a wide variety of butterflies enjoying your butterfly habitat.

Like birds, butterflies need a good source of water and as they can't drink from birdbaths setting
up a simple area for "puddling" will do the trick.

Take a flat pan or bucket and fill it with sand, bury it just to the top leaving the sandy area exposed
and then fill with water and be sure to keep it moist.  This will give the butterflies a place to congregate
and get much needed moisture.

A few well placed flat stones for "sunning" and rest are also necessary for the butterflies providing
them a place to warm up as they can't regulate their body temperature without a good bask in the sun
and the stones will be part of the natural landscape.

Don't forget to visit your local butterfly sanctuary, in Missouri Powell Gardens Butterfly Festival in
August is a great place to visit.