One challenge I gave myself this summer was to start my own butterfly (pollinator) garden. I moved cross country from San Jose, California to Atlanta last year and I’ve been looking forward to working in my new garden! This past year was spent watching and observing all the plants that already exist in the garden. And I have to give it to the previous homeowner, she kept parts of the garden in great shape and that was a great base for my pollinator garden.

So let’s cut to the chase! You want to know what’s necessary for a butterfly garden? If you think of what basic human needs are – food, shelter, water – you’re off to a good start. Here are a few key components that I focused on while building my butterfly garden:

1. Sun. Pollinator plants thrive when they’re in the sun for ~6 hours a day.
2. Food. Just like you and me, our pollinator friends like a variety of nectar-producing plants for food. Here is what I started with:
   • Asters
   • Bee balm
   • Butterfly bush
   • Coneflowers
   • Daisies
   • Echinacea
   • Lavender
   • Milkweed – This is necessary for monarch butterflies
   • Marigolds
   • Purple coneflower
   • Salvia
   • Lilies
   • Verbena

3. Water. Yes, we need to water the plants, but did you know butterflies and bees drink and bathe in water? It’s not something I think about because I always see them goblin down nectar, but they need water to survive. Set out a small water-filled tray with rocks (for them to land on safely).
4. Shelter. Pollinators need somewhere safe to relax and recharge.
5. Keep it clean. And by this, I mean skip the pesticides. Introducing these chemicals in your garden can kill the pollinators that you are trying so hard to attract.
6. Patience. As someone who desires instant gratification, this was the most difficult part for me. But really, after you plant, it will take time for your garden to grow and thrive. 

There’s a saying about gardening that goes, “The first year, plants sleep. Second year, they creep. Third year, they leap!” So after you get your garden situated, grab your cup of coffee, kick back, and let nature take its course.