The nectar of single flowers are more accessible and easier for butterflies to extract than the nectar of flowers with double petal rows. Butterflies are first attracted to flowers by their color so it is a good idea to plant your garden with drifts of different plants. Butterflies are active from early spring until late fall. Plant a selection of flowers that will provide nectar throughout the entire growing season. Host plants provide food for caterpillars and lure female butterflies into the garden to lay eggs.
Some butterflies drink and extract salts from moist soil.
Butterflies often perch on stones or vegetation spreading their wings and bask in the sun. This raises their body temperature improving their flight and activity levels. Most traditional garden pesticides are toxic to butterflies. Use predatory insects, insecticidal soap or hand picking to remove the pests. A Golden Guide by R. T. Mitchell and H. S, Zim.