Who wouldn’t want to see more butterflies in their garden? (I’ll ignore the gentleman at the back, raising his hand).
Painted Lady 
Clouded Yellow 
Meadow Brown 
Common Blue 
Humming-bird Hawk-moth 
Peacock 
Small White Wave Moth 
Red Admiral 
Angle Shades Moth 
Small Tortoiseshell 
Comma
(Just some of the moth and butterfly species in ‘my’ gardens)
Well, they’re really quite easy to attract. For example, you could plant cabbages: you’ll get flurries of cabbage whites. Not what you had in mind? Then simply plant nectar rich flowers. (In the above photos, six different butterflies are feeding on Verbena bonariensis – a great food source). And if you have the space leave an area of garden wild: both small tortoiseshell and peacock caterpillars feed on nettles.
Eyed Hawk-moth
And another way of helping to increase both moth and butterfly numbers is by joining the charity Butterfly Conservation – one of the largest insect conservation organisations in the world. Until 31st May 2015, and to herald the onset of spring, Butterfly Conservation are offering half price membership. Under this offer, single membership for the first year is just £1.25 per month. For that you’ll help conserve endangered species and their habitat; and add your voice to various campaigns on wider environmental issues. As a member you’ll receive a pack of butterfly-food flower seeds and all this too:
- Member only gardening book written by Kate Bradbury
- A welcome pack with membership card, set of collectable postcards and useful information
- Butterfly magazine three times a year, packed with fascinating features and stunning photos
- Essential advice on gardening for butterflies and moths
- Regular e-newsletters with the latest news, info and offers
- Membership of your local branch, with regular newsletters
- Invitations to local guided walks, talks, conservation action days and social events
To join, click on this link – Butterfly Conservation Website – and enter the code GARDEN1550.
Oh, almost forgot – you get a free car sticker too.
