In this garden, plant milkweed for monarch butterflies, thistle for painted ladies, and Queen Anne's lace for black swallowtails. Some herbs like parsley and fennel attract caterpillars, too. And of course, cabbage worms turn into little butterflies. The garden for the adult butterflies should offer bright flowers filled with sweet nectar, the butterflies' main food. Butterflies get their minerals from muddy areas, and will drink liquids from spoiled fruit, also.
Shelter is provided by planting vines, shrubs, or trees in the area.
The butterflies roost at night in long grass or shrubs. They also seek shelter in windy, cold, or cloudy weather. A butterfly house is an interesting addition to the garden, but there's no guarantee the butterflies will use it. Sunlight is important, since butterflies need temperatures over 60 degrees or they can't fly. Large rocks in the butterfly garden store heat for a long time, and you will see the butterflies sitting there soaking up the warmth.