Gardening practices to attract and retain butterflies often differ from regular Gardening practices. Dozens of butterfly species commonly occur along the Front Range and eastern Colorado and are a welcome Garden addition for many people. Butterflies often appear to be just passing through, occasionally stopping for a drink of nectar. You can prolong the stay of these colorful Insects and draw in others by providing the food and shelter they need. Planning the Butterfly Garden Make a yard more attractive to butterflies by providing the proper environment.
Most butterflies prefer some shelter from the high winds common along the Front Range.
At the same time, they like open, sunny areas. Windbreak plantings or other means of sheltering the butterfly Garden can help provide a suitable physical environment. Maintaining a damp, slightly salty area in the yard may attract groups of these butterflies. Adult female butterflies spend time searching for food plants required by the immature caterpillar stage. Most butterflies have specific host plants on which they develop.