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Like you, butterflies enjoy warm summer days. Hardier than their seemingly frail frames appear, butterflies can log thousands of air miles a year. For instance, Midwestern Monarchs fly 3,000 miles to winter in the warmth of Mexico. With more and more open space being taken for roads and development, it is harder and harder for butterflies to find places along their flight path to rest and refuel.

If you would like to have these beautiful creatures visit you on a regular basis, you can plant a butterfly garden. Whether you have a backyard or a small balcony with potted plants, you can provide the necessary nectar and a safe resting spot for your fluttering guests.

1. Butterflies are attracted to bright colors. Pick flowers that are bright red, yellow, orange or purple. (Try wearing bright colors and you may get an up close and personal visit!)
2. Avoid really big, showy flowers that don’t hold much nectar.
3. Place short plants in front of tall ones and clump them by type and color.
4. Plant flowers that bloom at different times of year so that nectar is available from spring through fall.
5. Remember that Monarch butterflies will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants.
6. Do not use pesticides or insecticides because they kill butterflies.