However, there are generalities that can be made about how to set your garden up for butterflies. The first thing you need to do is figure out what types of butterflies live in your area. This can be accomplished simply by walking around your neighborhood or surrounding area with a notebook and butterfly identification book. A botanic garden, college entomology department, or a butterfly club in your area are also good places to seek information. By gathering information about specific butterflies, you can include specific plants that attract them.
Butterflies are most active in a large open area, which can be a simple piece of yard kept mowed.
Plant a lot of flowers that are known providers of nectar. Also include plants that are considered larva or caterpillar food. Shelter for nightly roosting is easily provided by planting some vines on a fence or by having a screen of shrubs and trees in the back of your garden. Rocky areas are optional since they are species specific, and not all butterflies like rocky areas. If you feel it is necessary to provide something additional to your garden, add feeders and butterfly houses.