I have two beautiful specimens of Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush) in my garden. They are soooo… effective in drawing butterflies to the garden. It is a real treat to just stand there and watch.

Here is a selection of my favourite plants for a butterfly garden:

• Annuals: Verbina rigida – a tuberous perennial, grown as an annual.
• Perennials: Aurinia saxatilis (Gold Dust), Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon), Iberis sempervirens, Nepeta x faassenii and Sedum spectabile (Ice plant)
• Shrubs: Buddleja daviddii, Buddleja globosa, and Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry laurel)

Providing food for caterpillars is an alternative way of butterfly gardening. The plants bearing flowers that attract the butterflies are normally not suitable for the caterpillars. Caterpillars love:

• Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle)
• Cirsium and Carduus (Thistles)
• Cabbages
• Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard)
• Mixed Grasses
• Ilex aquifolium (Holly)

Plant the plants in clumps and bushes rather than as single specimens. This will provide a greater attraction for the butterflies and other insects to your butterfly garden.

August Garden Check List for Northern Hemisphere Gardens

• Plant hardy fushias in late summer borders
• Sow winter cabbage and lettuce
• Take semi-ripe cuttings
• Prune rambler roses
• Prune summer flowering shrubs
• Plant dahlias for your autumn color display
• Water any plants that look distressed
• Order spring bulbs.

August Garden Check List for Southern Hemisphere Gardens

• Apply a winter wash to fruit trees and spray if necessary
• Check stakes and ties
• Order supplies for the coming season
• Tidy up your garden shed
• Plant summer flowering bulbs after the soil has warmed up
• Plant window boxes and containers for seasonal color.

The Latest Addition to Design-Gardens.com Website

I have just added a page on creating an instant flower garden . It contains tips on how to get a beautiful garden for that special garden party, wedding or function. Read it and be amazed at the tricks you can play to get your garden looking like a show piece!

Visit Design-Gardens.com for more exciting gardening news and info.

Remember… Plant a butterfly garden and make the world a happier place!