I'm located in North Carolina, zone 8a, and I have a big backyard that gets plenty of sun. Last year, I planted Cosmos, and they grew almost 12 feet tall, so I'm excitedly waiting for them to bloom! But I'm looking for more suggestions on what else I can plant to attract birds and butterflies. Also, do birds actually use birdhouses? I want to make sure they're worth getting before I invest in any. I've already set out three small bird baths to try and draw them in quickly!
3 Answers
If you really want to keep birds and butterflies around, consider planting native plants! They're great for attracting local wildlife, and you can also find species that the caterpillars eat, since many butterflies lay their eggs on specific host plants. For example, monarch caterpillars only feed on milkweed. If you have space, think about adding local oak, willow, or cherry trees, which are great for caterpillar larvae. Plus, having those butterflies means more food for the birds, as they commonly feed their babies with caterpillars!
Definitely plant what's native to your area. They usually thrive best and attract local wildlife effectively. A great option are chaste trees which bloom beautifully,. They only grow about 8 feet tall, so you can plant other flowers underneath them as well. I've seen good results with these here in NC!
Check out your state's Cooperative Extension Service website—they usually have resources on butterfly gardens and attracting birds. I've found that having dense shrubs for nesting helps a lot, and a bird bath with shallow water and rocks for butterflies and bees to land on works wonders. To attract even more birds, try creating a dripping water source. I did that by hanging a bucket with holes above my birdbath, and it brought in so many more birds! Just remember to keep the birdbath clean; a little maintenance goes a long way!
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into creating that dripping water feature!