Bring In The Butterflies

Transform your garden into a butterfly paradise this summer

- Geraldine Sweeney

Nothing beats seeing clouds of butterflies flitting through your garden, with the colour and movement they bring.

By providing nectar-rich plants to feed these important pollinators, you can encourage them in and enjoy the spectacle. Red admiral And, as butterflies have declined by 75% in the last four decades, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet too.

Butterflies to look out for

PAINTED LADY (VANESSA CARDUI)

You’ll spot this medium-sized migrant, the world’s most common butterfly, arriving in late summer.

RED ADMIRAL (VANESSA ATALANTA)

Coming from Africa, you’ll see this large fast-flying butterfly from midsummer onwards. Some overwinter in the UK.

SMALL TORTOISESHELL (AGLAIS URTICAE)

One of our most common butterflies, often spotted in urban gardens.

Caterpillar food plants

ILEX (HOLLY) AND HEDERA HELIX (IVY)

Holly Blue butterfly caterpillars love the holly bush flowers in spring, and ivy flowers in winter.