There are around 24,000 species of butterflies and roughly 140,000 species of moths worldwide. They are a beautiful sight if you spot them in your garden, but unfortunately their numbers are declining.
You can do your bit to help the butterfly and moth populations by planting flowers to attract them into your outdoor space.
Plant nectar-rich plants and you will never be without butterflies or moths. Grow a garden with lots of herbs and wildflowers, as well as more traditional plants, and butterflies will love you for it.
Plant as many as possible in sunny areas and include a Buddleia Bush, or two, for maximum butterfly appeal. To maximise moth appeal, plant flowers that open at night or are white. Provide food plants as well for butterfly and moth caterpillars.
Not all types of butterflies will visit your garden, but you should be able to attract the more common ones. Butterflies need sugar rich nectar, so you need to plant a selection of suitable flowers and they are on the wing from March to October, so provide a good mixture of plants that will flower throughout spring, summer and autumn.
Early flowers, such as Aubrietia, are especially good for feeding newly awoken butterflies in early spring. Later flowering species like Red Valerian and Lavender will attract butterflies during midsummer months.
In the autumn, Michaelmas Daisy and Golden Rod can give butterflies that hibernate a last chance to stock up with nectar before the winter sets in. Make sure you have enough of each type of flower to make a visible display and to give a strong scent.
A nettle patch in a discreet part of the garden is also a must, as it is important for certain caterpillar species of butterflies such as the Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock.
Remember, butterflies love warmth and shelter, so make sure your displays of flowers is situated in a suitable suntrap, out of the wind. A patch of nettles will often attract butterflies as a place to lay their eggs. Also, many moths will use nettles too.
Don’t forget to take part in the world’s biggest survey of butterflies, the Big Butterfly Count in June!