Butterfly Field Of Dreams

[Mrsclem]

I was inspired by another member to do a combination butterfly & native plant garden. The area is 25'x25' and contained 14 individual beds. The framing has since rotted out and the area is overgrown. It has been planted a a veggie garden several times ( animals enjoyed the salad bar) as well as a formal garden. The biggest problem is clearing the beds of the grasses that were planted as well as an invasive Clematis vine and honeysuckle. Photos of the area as cleanup was started. The garden has 2 beds of peonies as well as 3 beds of raspberries and blackberries.

 

[Mrsclem]

I have been shopping at every plant sale and local shop to try and find plants that will attract butterflies, in particular, monarchs as we are close to the migration path here.

 

[Mrsclem]

Getting everything cleared out and getting an idea of what to put where. The big issue is going to be the ongoing problem with the area. We live in the woods! Deer, rabbits, groundhogs ,opposums etc. I'm trying to fence the area but not have it look like a prison yard. So far, deer netting with reflective tape. I have some old wrought iron railing I'm planning on using . Metal garden fencing for the berry areas. The deer got the berries once already. The 2 week period of rain and humidity has ended so working on getting plants in and fence up.

 

[alp]

@Mrsclem Gee! You've worked hard and such a lovely transformation. Lovely the electric blue salvias. I hope you haven't got rid of your peonies as you can plant things on top of them and they will come back next year. For example, Petunias or other annuals. Hope someone helps solve your problems. Keep up with the good work and I look forward to see your butterfly and bloom garden!

 

[Becky]

What a great project! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it

 

[Mrsclem]

Well, I've finally got all the potted plants in and starting to get some blooms. No butterflies yet but haven't seen any elsewhere in the yard as the deer have eaten everything that was blooming. I have the entire area fenced with deer netting as well as mylar tape overhead.

 

[Becky]

It's looking great @Mrsclem!

 

[DeborahJane]

What a project Mrsclem! You've done a wonderful job. Looking forward to watching it grow. I'm sure you won't let it "grow" like it had before

 

[Esther Knapicius]

If you can get a Joe Pye Weed Plant, comes up every year I find it draws more butterflies than other plants.

 

[Mrsclem]

What a project Mrsclem! You've done a wonderful job. Looking forward to watching it grow. I'm sure you won't let it "grow" like it had before

I'm hoping it doesn't getaway from me with the wrong plants!

 

[Mrsclem]

If you can get a Joe Pye Weed Plant, comes up every year I find it draws more butterflies than other plants.

I actually got 3 of them from one of the native plant sales.

 

[Julliet7]

Wow! Really it is amazing job! I really appreciate it! You had put a lot of effort to it but I think it was worth! I also like idea with the name - it really attracts attention!

 

[Mrsclem]

Finally got a monarch butterfly today while I was weeding! The garden has gotten completely overgrown with plants as well as weeds! Deer go into it and didn't do any damage, think it was too much of a jungle.

 

[alp]

Love your jungle! That's a beautiful take and cheers me up no end. Haven't been feeling very well after the shopping. Nice flowers too.

 

[Upsy Daisy]

Lovely pics @Mrsclem