How-to Books on Butterfly Gardening

FROM THE SUMMER 2019 ISSUE OF IN THE GARDEN, OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER.

by Mary Moore, Tulsa City-County Library

Butterfly gardening is the practice of attracting beautiful butterflies to one’s garden by growing common plants and flowers that they use for food and nectar. This simple activity will bring color, light, and beauty to your garden and home. With the relaxing and rewarding qualities of this outdoor hobby, it’s not hard to see why it’s sweeping the nation and growing in popularity. Not only is butterfly gardening one of the easiest ways to enjoy these enchanting creatures, but it is also a wonderful way to help conserve natural butterfly populations for generations to come.

Full of practical information, Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Bringing Nature Into Your Yard & Garden (National Geographic, 2016) combines tips and advice with solid science. Engaging facts, favored plants and lovely color photography give detailed instruction for beginners. Top ten lists of the best plants are available to assist any gardener. This treasure trove of knowledge provides fascinating lore and science.

For a lavishly illustrated guide to creating a garden, try Butterfly Gardening: The North American Butterfly Association Guide (Princeton University Press, 2018.) Over two hundred color photographs and maps provide essential information on choosing and cultivating plants. This gardener friendly book recommends regionally native plants. The interviews with experienced butterfly gardeners are helpful. Any butterfly enthusiast and all friends of butterflies will find the plant index and details beneficial. The book is broadly organized by region of the country.

From the experts at Birds & Blooms is Gardening for Birds, Butterflies, & Bees (Readers Digest, 2016.) This book has irresistible plants and creative garden designs. Over 250 featured plants are featured along with symbols of which insects and birds the plant will attract. The recommended nectar plants for butterflies