Large White Butterfly
Insects like Bees and Butterflies are vital to the survival of numerous plant species around the world. But, in recent years particularly, the numbers of Bees has been rapidly declining meaning that fewer plants will be spreading throughout their habitats, and less food will therefore be available.
These Insects are known as pollinators as they inadvertently spread the pollen from one plant to another whilst feeding on the sweet nectar, allowing these plants to reproduce. In fact, many plants produce beautifully scented and colourful flowers just to attract these useful Insects to them.
Bees and Butterflies are also vital to the survival of many animals on Earth, as they feed on the plants that these Insects pollinate, and Humans are no exception. With the decline in Britain's Bee numbers, we risk losing crucial fruit and vegetable plants that we eat (along with numerous other species), in order to survive.
With increasing town sizes, natural habitats are quickly disappearing but pollinating Insects will be attracted to any garden, however small, providing there is an adequate supply of nectar for them to eat. If planned well, gardens can see up to 18 different Butterfly species, particularly those with a wide variety of different flowering plants, that are planted in blocks of the same plant types.
Nectar should be available all year round as spring flowers are vital for Butterflies coming out of hibernation, and Autumn plants help them to build reserves for the coming winter. Plants should be well-watered and pesticides should not be used as these kill numerous species of Insect. Here are just a few examples of the plants that will be bring your patch to life...
SPRING Corn Marigold Forget-Me-Nots Lavender Primroses Violets
To find out more about how to attract Butterflies to your garden, please visit the Butterfly Conservation Website.
