March 14 is National Learn About Butterflies Day
Did you know that Vancouver Island is home to approximately 70 butterfly species?
To encourage more butterflies to visit your garden, plant a variety of native plants to provide nectar all season long. Specific plants are hosts to different species of butterflies, so to have a successful butterfly habitat, include plants for the larvae stage in your design. Butterfly gardens should be sited in full sun in an area sheltered from strong winds and have large stones or open areas for butterflies to rest.
Many of our local butterfly species are non-migratory, meaning they spend their entire lives here on the Island overwintering in a sheltered spot as eggs, larvae, pupae or adults. Leaving garden cleanup until spring, reducing pesticide use, and adding native plants to your garden can help protect and support our most colourful pollinators.
To learn more about butterflies and how to support them, visit:
