THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN

by Mathew Tekulsky ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 15, 1985

A fact-filled, if rather dry how-to book on designing gardens to attract butterflies to your backyard. In theory, luring butterflies to your garden is simple: just plant the types of flowers they like. We learn, however, that many steps must be taken, starting with a careful survey of the butterflies that frequent your neighborhood. (A separate field guide is needed for this.) From there, you'll need to apply Tekulsky's knowledge of butterfly behavior and nutritional requirements to plant the correct nectar and food plants, as well as provide proper moisture sources and shelters. And to ensure that butterflies remain in your garden, you'll need to meet the required environmental conditions for not only adult butterflies, but also for the three butterfly life forms: eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalises. For the urban gardner, there are pointers on planting small gardens and even window boxes that will draw one or more species of butterfly. Other useful tips include how to safely capture, transport, and rear butterflies, and the chapter on butterfly conservation brings home the important role gardners can play in preserving butterflies by protecting their habitats (in this case, your own backyard). Lengthy appendixes include lists of common garden butterflies, nectar sources, wildflowers, butterfly organizations, mail-order houses for plants and specialty equipment, as well as an extensive bibliography. Quotes from scientists and butterfly aficionados abound, but are anything but inspiring.

Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1985

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harvard Common Press

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1985

Categories: NONFICTION