The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping assess the health of the environment. It was launched in 2010 and has become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies.
Butterflies and moths are very important to gardeners, allotment holders and smallholders alike because, as they feed on flower nectar, they transfer pollen on their bodies and legs from one plant to another.
There are around 24,000 species of butterflies. Moths are even more numerous with about 140,000 species existing all over the world.
To prepare for the next count, which takes place Friday, July 17 until Sunday, August 9, 2020, you could start planting butterfly-friendly plants in your garden while you have more spare time and are at home.
Butterflies are fans of simple, open blooms and these can include bedding plants, perennials, flowering shrubs and bulbs, so there’s plenty to choose from if you’re planning some butterfly friendly planting schemes this summer.
These nectar-rich flowers are the equivalent of snack bars for butterflies, moths and bees. They serve up the invaluable food beneficial insects need for energy.
Plants butterflies love:
Buddleja
This is a hardy and reliable shrub available in dwarf and compact varieties that are perfect for pots or tiny spaces with flowers in colours from pink and white to blue, lavender, magenta and deep purple.
Rudbeckia and Echinacea
Some of the best flowering perennials provide long-lasting displays, with a succession of flowers opening over several months.
Lavenders
They look great and provide welcome nectar for butterflies throughout the summer months
Sedum
This plant has flowers into the autumn to feed Small Tortoiseshell and other late-flying butterflies as they prepare for hibernation.
Top three tips for planning and planting a butterfly friendly plot:
- Choose a range of suitable plants with different flowering periods to ensure there’s something in bloom throughout spring, summer and autumn for butterflies to feed from.
- Several butterflies hibernate through winter. Adults emerging from hibernation need flowers to feed on in spring. Others require autumn blooms to stock-up on nectar to help them survive during hibernation.
- While flowers are important to feed adult butterflies do remember that different plants are needed for butterflies to lay their eggs on and to feed their caterpillars.