Brenda Dziedzic and Butterflies

If you ever have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Brenda Dziedzic, Butterflies in the Garden,  you should go and hear what she has to say about Butterflies.

She is passionate about the insect order Lepidoptera or Butterflies. I have had the pleasure of hearing Brenda speak for Wild Ones, North Oakland Chapter. What sets Brenda above anyone else that I have heard speak on Butterflies, is that she explains how to attract them for the whole Butterfly life cycle.

Butterflies, as Brenda explains, undergo a complete metamorphosis. There are four stages to this beautiful insect. The egg, the caterpillar (larva), chrysalis and finally to the adult.

Brenda has a book. "Learn About Butterflies in the Garden."  It is a comprehensive book for anyone who wants to learn how to plant the types of plants from host to nectar plants to accommodate for all the four stages of the life of a butterfly. I have used her book to help plant the type of flowers that allow the complete life cycle for numerous butterflies. I have noticed an increase of butterflies for the last few years.

Monarch Butterfly

The Monarchs host and larva plants is Milkweed and Butterfly Weed. The nectar plants are Butterfly Bush, Joe-Pye Weed, Milkweed, Thistle, Goldenrod and Clover, just to name a few. I have planted them all. It is rewarding to see them in the garden. My neighbor gathers the eggs she collects on her Swamp Milkweed. This is one of her babies!

I  offer False Nettle and Nettle for the Red Admirals for a host/larval food plant. The adults nectar on Echinacea, Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Weed.

Red Admiral on Echinacea

Check out Brenda's Book for detailed instructions for planning your yard to maintain the butterflies. 

Happy Butterflying!

 Keep your camera close by.