Tailor Your Garden to Native Butterflies

The Zebra Longwing Butterfly (the official State butterfly) is one of many butterflies native to South Florida. You might also be familiar with some of the other common butterflies of our area such as Monarchs, Swallowtails, Queens and Painted Ladies. 

The butterfly is enjoyable to watch and serves a critical purpose as well. Nearly 80% of the world’s food, plant-based products, and flowering plants require pollination. Pollinators include butterflies, bees, moths, birds, and bats. Visits from these creatures also result in better quality and higher crop yields.

It’s common for homeowners to want to attract these beautiful little insects to their gardens. Here are a few tips to consider when creating your own butterfly garden:

• Make your garden a one stop shop with: water, food, shelter
• Two types of plants support and promote butterflies among your garden: Host Plants (for larvae) and Nectar Plant (for adults)
• Different species of butterfly require different host & nectar plants in order to thrive
• Add a water source or puddling station to keep them hydrated
• SUNLIGHT! Butterflies need to warm their muscles to fly because they are coldblooded

Water Pointe Realty Group has agents who possess a wealth of knowledge on many topics. From gardening, to boating and interior design,  Contact us today and get connected with one of our expert Realtors®!