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Create a butterfly paradise |
Butterflies like warmth so choose sunny, sheltered spots when planting nectar plants. Plant lots of different nectar plants to increase the number of species. Plant the same types of plants together in blocks. Try to plant so there are flowers right through the butterfly season from spring to autumn.Spring flowers are vital for butterflies coming out of hibernation. Autumn flowers help butterflies build up their reserves for winter. Plant original species as they provide much more nectar than hybrids. Prolong flowering by deadheading flowers, mulching with organic compost, and watering well to keep the plants healthy. Plants that are well-watered will produce far more nectar for hungry butterflies. Plant a border that is not only packed with colour during the spring and summer months, but has the added bonus of ensuring a host of winged visitors to your garden. Below is a list of a few plants that attract butterflies.
For Spring nectar plant: |
For late Summer/Autumn nectar plant: | |
Aubretia |
Buddleia | Ice Plant (Sedum spectabile) |
Bluebells |
Candytuft | Ivy |
Cuckooflower |
Chives | Lavender |
Dandelion |
Chrysthanemum | Lilac |
Garlic Mustard |
Common bird's-foot trefoil | Marjoram (Origanum) |
Honesty |
Cornflower | Michaelmas Daisy |
Pansy |
Escallonia | Mint |
Primrose |
Forget-me-not | Phlox |
Sweet Rocket |
French Marigold | Purple Loosestrife |
Sweet William |
Globe Thistle | Red Valerian |
Wallflower |
Hebe | Scabious |
Willow |
Honeysuckle | Thistles |
Violas |
Hyssop | Thyme |
Download PDF Gardening Leaflet: Gardening for Butterflies and Moths.
External Link: Northern Ireland Butterfly Conservation www.bcni.org.uk or their National site: www.butterfly-conservation.org
Keep in Touch
To keep in touch with all Carrickfergus in Bloom activities, join our mailing list: Click Here. To contact Carrickfergus in Bloom by e-mail: Click Here or telephone 028 9335 8039.
The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative is organised by Carrickfergus Borough Council.
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Carrickfergus Borough Council developed the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative to brighten up the Borough,
to become a Borough of Flowers. Our objective is to make a Brighter Borough for the benefit of all citizens and visitors.
The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative includes the Borough towns of Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Eden and Greenisland.
Carrickfergus Borough is located in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
