badmonkey Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 Two of my 36ish Butterfly bushes grew quickly this year and have been in bloom for a couple of weeks. The rest of the bushes should be in bloom within a week or so. I noticed that there aren't as many butterflies around this year compared to previous years. Anyone else notice a chnage? I am still getting about the same number of Hummingbird Moths and an increase in Hummingbirds at my butterfly bushes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsywannabe Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I noticed a decline over the last few years in butterflies and I haven't seen much of anything but the Japanese beetles, which seem to be in abundance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender Posted August 9, 2008 Share Posted August 9, 2008 I don't think that there have been as many this year. My butterfly bushes used to be covered with swallowtails. I'm seeing some different varieties this year, an odd moth that I have yet to identify and my first monarch caterpillar on my butterfly weed. I suspect that these things go in cycles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badmonkey Posted August 11, 2008 Author Share Posted August 11, 2008 At least my butterfly bushes look nice this year. *smile* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender Posted August 11, 2008 Share Posted August 11, 2008 I think they look better if you cut them down to the ground in the spring even if the whole bush hasn't frozen off. I've got to dig up a couple of big ones or my datura isn't going to flower. For some reason they are reseeding themselves by my greenhouse and grow really fast there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSTeach Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 A butterfly garden is definitely on my list of future projects. I wanted to do it this year, but never got to it. Guess I will have all winter to plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender Posted August 12, 2008 Share Posted August 12, 2008 I can start you off with butterfly bushes and purple coneflowers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petee Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 You need to have adult nectar plants, juvenile food plants, shelter and muddy water for them to pattycake in! Some of those selections will be specific depending on which Butterflies you are trying to attract. We're working on providing them all at the Franklin Street planting mounds so by next year we may have some flitting additions in the picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badmonkey Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share Posted August 16, 2008 Some butterflies finally arrived this week. There have been several flying around and feeding from my bushes but, there still aren't as many as in previous years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 The fritallarias are back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badmonkey Posted August 23, 2008 Author Share Posted August 23, 2008 My bushes were loaded today with a variety of butterflies. It is about time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now