How to Turn Your Garden and Shed Into a Butterfly-Friendly Sanctuary
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Britons are being encouraged to transform their gardens into a butterfly haven by following six easy steps.
The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are sharing practical tips to help the declining butterfly population as they begin to emerge this spring.
Many butterfly species can be found in UK gardens, and the experts say sprucing up sheds can be a great way to encourage more activity from them during the warmer months.
Growing climber plants, going bold with coloured flowers, providing a water source and avoiding pesticides around a garden shed are all ways to bring butterflies into gardens this spring and summer.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Spring is the perfect time to make small but effective changes in your garden.
“Butterfly spotting is always rewarding, but we want to encourage Brits to go a step further this spring and make intentional changes to their garden to make it a butterfly haven – and your garden shed is a great place to start!
“Something as simple as removing pesticides, hanging a butterfly feeder from your shed and offering a water source for butterflies can make all the difference.”
Here are GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk’s tips for creating a butterfly haven:
- Planting
Around your shed and garden, plant nectar-rich flowers to attract butterflies as they begin to emerge this spring. Native species like butterfly bush, lavender, marigolds and echinacea provide both shelter and nectar, so are perfect for attracting butterflies.
- Go bold with colour
Butterflies are attracted to a range of colours and flower species, so aim for variety. Plant small clusters of smaller flowers like daisies around the base of your shed and in hanging baskets.
- Provide water
Pop a small, shallow bowl of water in your garden to provide a water source for butterflies. Add a few small stones into the bowl for a perch. Butterflies also get minerals from damp soil, so make sure your soil is well-watered.
- Growing plants
Your garden shed is the perfect place to grow climbers like ivy and honeysuckle. They can encourage butterflies in your garden as they provide essential cover and resting spots.
- Avoid pesticides
Protect butterfly species by avoiding using and storing pesticides in and around your garden shed. Instead, opt for organic gardening methods which are more wildlife friendly.
- Butterfly feeder
Hang a butterfly feeder filled with overripe fruit on your shed to attract them to your garden. The feeders provide a sugary food source for them to feed on.
