I’ve always been fascinated with butterflies, dragonflies and bees, but I don’t see them around as much as I did when I was a kid. Luckily, in our little slice of paradise they are everywhere!
For the past few years I’ve been interested in butterfly gardens, although it wasn’t until a few months ago that I officially got the “bug” and started researching how to do it. It all started with a David Suzuki article that led me down the rabbit hole of the internet.
During my research, I came across Monarch Watch where I learned even more about the importance of protecting the Monarch Butterfly. Monarch Watch also provides certifications for butterfly gardens, so I decided to apply for one for our property. The application process was an easy and fun thing to do and they even sent me a metal plaque that I will place on the property to open more conversations about why animal conservation is so important.
If you’d love to create your own butterfly garden you can help us fill out more Canadian dots on the interactive Monarch Waystation Registry map. Our site number is 16046 and that should be on the interactive map soon! Note that certification does cost a fee, but if you don’t have the extra funds to support the cause that is okay too because, ultimately, the important thing is actually providing the butterflies and bees with a habitat and that is so easy to do!
Start by planting native plants. Native plants are great because they thrive in their native habitat. A great online resource for fellow British Columbians is the Native plant society of British Columbia which will give you many names of plants that you can try out in your own gardens.
For years I’ve been saying people need to rip up their grass, plant flowers especially native ones. This will help feed the birds, bees, butterflies and insects. I’ve never understood the point of grass in between highways and why they don’t plant native plants. Thankfully, I have been spotting more and more city/highway gardening that has been making me smile.
We actually really lucked out on our property and did not need to add anything because the grounds were already packed full of native species–when nature has the chance to thrive it will! That being said, we are currently overwhelmed with too many plants as we need more trails to walk on, so if you need any Snow Berries (not edible) come on over!
I’m not the only one who has become obsessed with helping the butterflies. The Butterflyway Project is the David Suzuki Foundation’s quest to create a network of wildflower stops for them across Canada. I challenge everyone I know to add a little green or a colourful burst of a sweet tasting flower to their yards, schools, windowsills etc. We can make a difference when we all work together. This is a great thing for the kids to get involved in as well–they just love digging in the dirt and planting. My kids are fascinated by all things that fly, I’ve been teaching them about the Lepidopterans (butterflies and moths) and I am amazed at how much they can absorb! I can’t wait until they can see the transformation from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.
Becky is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Landscape & Production Horticulturist, Arborist and budding Herbalist, who recognizes and specializes in the link between healthy soil, the gut and the brain. She also loves being the mom to her two wild and crazy kids Brooke & Connor whom keep her and her ever loving, creative husband Jay on their toes.
Becky is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Landscape & Production Horticulturist, Arborist and budding Herbalist, who recognizes and specializes in the link between healthy soil, the gut and the brain. She also loves being the mom to her two wild and crazy kids Brooke & Connor whom keep her and her ever loving, creative husband Jay on their toes.
Design by NXNW.
