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A RECIPE FOR BUTTERFLIES
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How do I attract butterflies to my garden? I love to see them fluttering by. Mason H., Campbellsville |
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I will defer the answer to our local butterfly expert, Joleen Stone. She is curator and botanist at the butterfly house and gardens at the Lost River Cave in Bowling Green. She grows plants for larvae and adults and plants the butterfly house inside and outside full of plants that attract different types of them. In full disclosure, she is also my wife. She says that the best way to attract them is to provide a food source for the larvae, food and water sources for the adults, and shelter for them during storms or the heat of the day when they are not so active as at other times. Butterfly adults are attracted to flowers that are flat and open by nature, like a dandelion or aster. The more diverse types of flowers you grow, the more diverse assemblage of butterflies you will attract. You should add additional food sources like rotting fruit about one to two feet off the ground. A shallow water source is better than a deep pool with a sharp drop-off. Try adding smooth stones to a bird bath. Members of the carrot family are especially attractive as larval food. Keep plenty of fennel, dill and even wild carrot (Queen Anne’s lace) in the area. Shrubs and trees will give them a place to hide from predators and will give protection from the day’s heat. Do not spray pesticides if possible as they are deadly to butterfly adults and larvae. Avoid insecticides. |
RUSSIAN SAGE REPELS DEER
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About two years ago you had a feature article (including the cover picture) of a deer-resistant perennial. It was tall and had lavender flowers I believe. I can’t find the issue of the magazine or remember the name of the plant. Can you help me? Thank you. Linda F., Clarksville, TN |
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Although I do not have the issue to inspect, I believe I remember that particular issue featuring Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia. It is deer-resistant with gorgeous purple flowers that stand 4 feet or more off the ground at the top of the plant. The pretty silver foliage is especially attractive when paired with the flowers. Russian sage is a member of the mint family and this is evident when the leaves are bruised or crushed. The pungent smell is probably why deer do not like to eat it. It blooms in late summer and the flowers last for a remarkably long time. The silver foliage is a hint that it likes it hot and dry including well-drained soil. Cut it back to about 8 inches above the ground in the winter to make it happy. However, do not allow it to overwinter in heavy, wet soils as it may not reappear the following spring. It has a tendency to fall over at times so apply fertilizer lightly. |
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