Beautiful plants: A garden party for dragonflies, butterflies, bees…oh my!

By / Life / September 3rd, 2019 / 4
Plants to attract Dragonflies

With summer in full swing, have you had a moment to appreciate a butterfly as it flutters past? Or some bees busy pollinating? Maybe you have just been annoyed at the huge mosquitos that are circling around this year. Hopefully you still have some space in your garden for some key plants to support a healthy eco-system that attracts the right kinds of winged friends! If you are looking to attract butterflies, bees, dragonflies and ladybugs, here is what you will want to plant.

Bring on the Butterflies

Butterflies are beautiful to have around. And they work hard pollinating plants and eating insects. In fact, the butterfly population is a good indicator of the health of the ecosystem.

They travel much longer distances than bees, which means they allow for greater, more diverse pollen sharing. If you like butterflies but are not so keen on caterpillars – the larvae stage of butterflies – remember they are an important source of food for baby birds.

What to plant
  • Black-eyed Susan
  • Butterfly Bush
  • Ornamental Lilly

Bees are the key

Bees are so important to the environment. They are the top pollinators. Pollination is what is needed for plants to reproduce. Wildflowers in general are perfect for attracting these little workers. Plant a variety that bloom at different points throughout the season providing a perfect place for bees to hang around.

What to plant
  • Wild Lilac
  • Hostas
  • Goldenrod

Leave it for the Ladybugs

Inside, ladybugs can be a nuisance and should be relocated back to their natural habitat outside. Like their garden mates, the butterflies and bees, ladybugs also consume pollen. But their real value is in their appetite for soft-bodied insects. They snack on plant-eating insects reducing the need for harsh pesticides. Not only are they really cute, but they don’t sting or transmit diseases. Safe, friendly and functional ladybugs should be a welcome addition to any garden.

What to plant
  • Dill
  • Cilantro
  • Wild Carrot

Create a den for Dragonflies

Dragonflies can eat hundreds of mosquitos a day. Need we say more? Even as babies, dragonflies in the larvae stage live in water. These hungry bug babes eat almost anything that comes near them, including small fish. This helps keep the breeding grounds of less desirable insects in check. They have been around for hundreds of millions of years, back to dinosaur days. Watching a dragonfly is like going back in time.

What to plant
  • Meadow Sage
  • Arrowhead
  • Water Lily

Creating an environment for these fabulous and functional friends in flight should be a top priority for everyone with an outdoor space. Adding to the diversity of the flora and fauna, they are creatures of wonder and imagination. They may be small, but their influence over the health of the ecosystem is big. Support them by planting some of these beautiful plants and enjoy natural beauty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Freelance writer and lifelong learner, Rebecca Hinchcliffe loves the art of storytelling. Swapping stories over meal prep and making new memories by dessert, she enjoys the simple pleasures with good friends. Cooking and creating are her two favourite past times. Sharing experiences via the written word a close third.

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