Looking for an enrichment idea to participate in with your kid? Now is the ideal time to plant a butterfly garden! What child doesn't like digging in the dirt, planting flowers, and admiring fluttery friends who might come for a visit? The fluttery insects are in abundance in the spring, summer nad fall, and adding a colorful landscape will delight to the butterfly watching.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 2 - 10 hours


Here's How:

1. Pick the perfect spot to entertain your butterfly guests. Choose a sunny location that is sheltered from wind.
2. Find a couple of flat stones--dark colored ones that hold the heat of the sun are the best. Butterflies love to sun themselves after a meal.
3. Butterflies require water, so make a small butterfly pond in the mud. Or, improvise and use a plastic lid from plasticware or from a household item such as a butter tub.
4. Choose blooming plants. Find a hearty plan that loves the son. In the South, Lantana makes a great choice. (NOTE: Lantana berries, which come after the flowers are spent, are considered poisonous, so first consider the age of children/pets and whether this could be a temptation if kids are in the area without supervision or to dig up this annual plant after it is done flowering.) Other ideas include Hydrangeas, Cornflowers, Geraniums, Scabiosa, and the plant aptly known as a "Butterfly Bush."
5. In addition to flowering plants for the butterflies, you'll want to provide food for larva. Consider Mexican Milkweed or Passion Vine.

1. Include in your design a place to sit among the garden, such as a bench, chairs, or sitting stones. You're ready for some spectactular butterfly watching!