Johannesburg Garden Club: Planting to attract butterflies
“It is best to choose a sunny spot in the garden to fill up with brightly coloured blooms and, if possible, try and plant indigenous plants as they will act as a host plant for certain butterfly species,” Jan said.
GUEST speaker Jan Praet spoke to members of the Johannesburg Garden Club at their May meeting on how to choose butterfly-friendly plants and flowers for their gardens.
“As an avid gardener, I originally became very interested in how to attract birdlife to my garden and began visiting garden nurseries which specialised in indigenous shrubs and trees. From there I became interested in butterflies and joined The Highveld Butterfly and Moth Club in Gauteng five years ago, becoming chairperson two years ago.
“Gardening to attract butterflies is easier than people think and there are many plants and shrubs which will draw them to your garden. Some of the better-known plants are alyssum, aster, calendula, cosmos, day lily, delphinium and dianthus, as well as lavender, marigold, nasturtium, zinnia and verbena.
“If you are trying to attract butterflies, try to refrain from using insecticides as this will kill either the adult butterflies or the juvenile caterpillars. It is best to choose a sunny spot in the garden to fill up with brightly coloured blooms and, if possible, try and plant indigenous plants as they will act as a host plant for certain butterfly species,” Jan said.
Jan has written a book, Gardening for Butterflies, which is available to purchase at certain garden nurseries. To visit his Facebook page online, visit https://www.facebook.com/jan.praet.9?fref=search
If you are interested in gardening and all things associated with gardening and you are interested in paying the club a visit, please phone Rob Winter on 072 688 6871 or 011 682 2450.
“We are looking for new members and will welcome anyone who has an interest in gardening,” added Rob.
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