This summer, butterfly gardens are all the rage. And why shouldn't they be? Not only do they create a beautiful group of plants in your yard, but they also attract a variety of colorful "flying flowers" that are fun and fascinating to watch.

Creating a butterfly garden is both simple and enjoyable. Like many other species, butterflies need a habitat that provides the necessities: shelter, sun, food, and water.

One of the most important tips to keep in mind when planning your garden is diversity, as you'll want to provide a healthy, natural atmosphere for the insect in each stage of its life, from larva to butterfly. The first step is to do a bit of research. Find out which butterflies are native to your area and cater to their needs with host and nectar-rich plants. If you currently watch butterflies in your garden, notice which plants they seem to like best. If the insects are drawn to a few particular plants, try planting more of those in your garden.

Let Them Eat Nectar!
You need colorful, nectar-rich flowers in addition to larval host plants in a pesticide-free environment to build a successful garden. Although butterflies will be attracted to a variety of colors, their favorites tend to be red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. But because the garden is as much for your enjoyment as it is for the butterfly's well-being, choose colors that are pleasing to you. And don't forget that groups of plants, instead of single flowers, are easier for butterflies to spot from far away.

Here are a few suggestions for nectar plants:

Asters
Black-eyed Susans
Butterfly weeds
Sunflowers
Coreopsis
Daylilies
Hibiscus
Lavenders
Lilacs
Marigolds
Phlox
Purple coneflowers
Verbena

Host plants provide a place for the butterflies to lay their eggs and a food source for the emerging caterpillars. Here are a few of the more common host plants:

Willow trees
Hop trees
Black cherry trees
Oak trees
Milkweed
Dill
Parsley
Clovers
Violets
Hollyhocks

Other Considerations
In addition to plants, your butterfly habitat will need water, sunning areas, and protection from wind. Because they are cold-blooded, butterflies need sun to warm their bodies so they can fly on cold mornings, and they love to bask in the sun. Provide a few rocks in the sun or a tree limb. These additions can also provide shelter from the elements and wind. You can create your own puddles for these flying creatures by mixing a little salt and sand in the bottom of a shallow pan and filling it with water.

These insect-attracting areas can range in size from a few pots on your porch to your entire backyard. But regardless of how big your flying flower garden is, you're sure to enjoy the bright colors and soothing ways of the beautiful butterfly.