Creating a bird and butterfly garden is a great way to encourage wildlife to visit your yard and provide a healthy and diverse ecosystem. With the right plants, you can create a stunning and functional garden that provides food and habitat for birds and butterflies. Here are some of the best plants to grow to create a bird and butterfly garden.
Milkweed: Milkweed is a critical plant for monarch butterflies, as it is the only plant on which they lay their eggs. Monarchs also feed on the nectar of milkweed plants, providing both food and habitat.
Lavender: Lavender is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its fragrant flowers and gray-green foliage provide a beautiful and functional addition to any bird and butterfly garden.
Coneflowers: Coneflowers are a staple in any bird and butterfly garden. Their bright, daisy-like flowers provide nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, while their seed-filled cones provide food for birds in the fall and winter.
Black-eyed Susan: Black-eyed Susan is a versatile plant that is easy to grow and provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Its yellow flowers and black centers are a magnet for butterflies and bees.
Joe Pye Weed: Joe Pye Weed is a tall, native wildflower that is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Its large, pink or purple flowers provide a striking contrast against the green foliage and attract a variety of pollinators.
Goldenrod: Goldenrod is often mistaken for the cause of allergies, but in reality, it is a valuable plant for birds and butterflies. Its bright yellow flowers provide nectar for pollinators, while its seed heads provide food for birds in the fall and winter.
Wild Bergamot: Wild Bergamot is a native wildflower that provides nectar for a variety of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Its purple flowers and aromatic foliage are a beautiful addition to any bird and butterfly garden.
Butterfly Bush: Butterfly Bush is a non-native shrub that is widely grown for its long spikes of fragrant, colorful flowers. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of butterflies and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any bird and butterfly garden.
Native Grasses: Native grasses, such as switchgrass and little bluestem, provide important habitat and food for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Their seed heads and foliage provide food, while their stems provide shelter and nesting sites.
In conclusion, creating a bird and butterfly garden is a great way to encourage wildlife to visit your yard. With the right plants, you can create a stunning and functional garden that provides food and habitat for birds and butterflies. By planting a variety of native and non-native species, you can create a diverse and healthy ecosystem that will benefit both wildlife and humans.