Below are some photos from our gardens - which were planted with as many native plants as possible to attract as much wildlife as possible. Obviously there is a heavy emphasis on butterfly nectar plants, but we also get many other insects, bees, and birds too!

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus ) - looking a bit ragged - on Butterfly Bush 'Nanho Blue' (Buddleia davidii var. nanhoensis)

Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) on Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) 'White Profusion'

Spring or Summer Azure (Celastrina "ladon" or neglecta) on Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
'Endless Summer'

Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) on Scarlet Runner Bean leaf (Phaseolus coccineus)

Black Swallotail (Papilio polyxenes) on Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spirea Prunifolia)

Peck's Skipper (Polites peckius) on Butterfly Bush 'Nanho Blue' (Buddleia davidii var. nanhoensis)

Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) on ground (what's the latin name for dirt?)

We also plant food for the caterpillars. Here's a monarch caterpillar munching down on some swamp milkweed.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus) caterpillar on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' and Asclepias Tuberosa [rollover image])

He will get up to 2-3 inches in length before making a chrysalis and turning into a butterfly. Roll your cursor over the above image to see how this little guy has grown in 8 days! The process from egg to adult takes 3 to 4 weeks, more or less.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) on Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) 'White Profusion

For those interested in seeing what species of butterflies (and birds) we've been attracting, click here or at the link at the top right of this page. To see how our garden evolved, click here for before and in-between and after photos!

Sliver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) on Butterfly Bush 'Nanho Blue' (Buddleia davidii var. nanhoensis)

Email Sandy with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

All photos and content © 2005 Sandy Swanson and may not be used for any purpose without written consent.