Things to consider before you start asking questions

14 years ago

Lately, it seems like everyone wants to know, what can I plant to attract butterflies?? Well, the thing is, there's no simple answer to this question. In order to be successful at butterfly gardening, you have to know several things:

1. What butterflies are native to your area??

2. What sorts of plants grow in your area??

Every butterfly has a different habitat range, and different types of plants that they feed on. Try to plant things that will attract butterflies that are native to your area or that feed off of plants that naturally grow in your area. After you have identified the different species of butterflies that are in your area, THEN you can ask us questions. We are able to give a lot of helpful advice, but first we need to know more about your area and the types of butterflies/plants found in it.

Also, remember that if you want the butterflies to stay in your area, you have to provide several things for them:

1. Nectar sources for the adults (butterflies)

2. Food sources for the young (caterpillars)

3. Water

4. A safe place to raise their young

Keep in mind that if you want them to stay around all year, you have to provide food for both the caterpillars and the adults. Make sure that their is a steady supply of water in your area (such as a bird bath or a pond). Finally, make sure that there is a safe place for them to lay their eggs (somewhere that isn't out in the open).

Having said all this, I look forward to helping out in any way that I can.

Happy Gardening!

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Comments (28)

KC Clark - Zone 2012-6a OH
14 years ago
You could have just bumped your other "newbie" topic to the top.

Here is a link that might be useful: Common sense about butterflies
susanlynne48
14 years ago
New people often don't know what questions to ask, though, and I've never seen anyone here on this forum treat questions any other way but with kindness and genuine interest. In fact, as with all things in life, there are no stupid questions. Our intent is to encourage those who are truly interested in providing habitat for the butterflies.

In many cases, we direct folks to the FAQs that Larry_Gene has so generously compiled for the benefit of all of us, and I, even as an "oldie" still refer to and use it.

I, for one, would like to know more about you, Perennialfan, where are you from, your garden, the butterflies you attract, etc. Right now, it seems like you kind of swooped in here and made certain demands from new folks that most newbies will not respond to in a positive way, and will, more likely than not, deter new people from asking any questions at all. The truth of the matter is that we welcome any and all questions and love helping any one who asks for help. That is the general nature of butterfly lovers.

So we hope to hear more about you and ask only that you temper your suggestions with the spirit we foster on this forum, of kindness, love, understanding, support, and the experience that we have to share with others.

Susan
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nancy86
14 years ago
Well said Susan!! Thanks!
gardenfanatic2003
14 years ago
Thank you Susan!

Signed,
One of the Idiot Newbies
tdogmom
14 years ago
Nicely said, Susan.

This forum is a most wonderfully cordial, sweet, kind, and gentle group. We prefer to provide information in a manner which helps to encourage instead of discourage others in their desire to learn about lepidoptera.

We do not know much about you, perennialfan273, so your comments appear rather harsh. For those of us who have been on this forum for a number of years, we've shared our questions and answers without fear of repercussions or ridicule.

Everyone has to start somewhere. It is much better to provide guidance than to throw a dagger and be so piercing from the get-go.
larry_gene
14 years ago
On the other hand, perennial's suggestions this time were far more kinder and gentler than the "common sense" thread. So there may have been something learned--the honey to vinegar ratio is way up this time.

Just replace "before you start asking questions" with "to attract butterflies". Remember that only 4 months passed since the common sense thread and already people were asking those pesky basic questions ;)

The basic questions, minor spamming, and new advertising methods are all good because it is an indication that this forum is popular. It's all part of the mix.

I saw my first cabbage white of 2010 on 6 March, about a month earlier than average.

Did Ladobe pass away? Some time ago I tracked his postings to various forums up to July 2009.

And I always appreciate the FAQ accolades; it kind of runs itself nowadays, but if anyone has personal success with or observations of hostplants not on the list, please let me know.
perennialfan273
Original Author
14 years ago
Neither of these threads were meant to be hate posts in any means. If people actually took the time to read through this thread and the old one they'd understand that. Also, I'm tired of being judged for my "common sense" thread by people who haven't even taken the time to read through it! Read it first, and THEN post here.

My posts are designed to make everyone's job a little bit easier. Sometimes I think that people just need to get pointed in the right direction, and that's exactly what these posts aim to do.
susanlynne48
14 years ago
We are still waiting to hear about you and your butterfly garden........are you reading our posts, too?

It's nice to offer to help the little old lady (me, LOL!) cross the street, but not so nice to grab her arm and drag her across.

We get your point, that you are just trying to help. We hope you will continue to post here and are just suggesting a bit of gentle diplomacy. That's all.

Susan
PKponder TX Z7B
14 years ago
Larry,
I've been looking for Ladobe's posts too and wonder about him.

Pam
nancy86
14 years ago
There is no "job" here. If you get tired of seeing the same questions then just don't answer them. Someone else will. If the subject line reads, "What plants attract butterflies?" just don't even open it. We get your point, but it's not your forum to police.
butterflymomok
14 years ago
I communicated with Ladobe around Christmas. He is still dealing with his health issues. I think Susan may have sent him an email recently. I don't know if she heard anything. I need to send him another message and let him know his name came up.

Sandy
larry_gene
14 years ago
Oops, well then, rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated!
Any update, regardless of the situation, would be of interest.

And speaking of policing, the apostrophe' police woman (Carol) has not posted for a long time now?

Perennial, your intentions are good but you are trying to herd cats.

Could you clarify the consideration #4? It is an interesting suggestion, but how would the average gardener specifically go about creating a safe haven for egg-laying? Most plants are out in the open. There are many forum members here who use various "caging" devices to harbor the egg and larva life-cycles, but this goes beyond gardening in general.
bandjzmom
14 years ago
As a person who is new this forum site, I can speak to my impression of the post. I do happen to know a good bit about the butterflies. However, if I didn't know anything and was looking for a place to learn, that post would send me packing. I would be afraid to ask my "stupid" questions. I am in agreement with any of you who feel that there is no such thing as a stupid question and who choose to treat others with the kindness and consideration that you would like for yourself. This is the problem with public forums, and it is a real shame that it occurs.
nancy86
14 years ago
I love it when someone describes something as "trying to herd cats" because I get such a funny visual in my head!! Of course, on this forum, you might have meant caterpillars! Ha-ha!
perennialfan273
Original Author
14 years ago
Alright, I'm going to say this one last time. I'm NOT trying to "herd cats", I am not trying to "police" this forum, nor do I think that I have a "job" here. I'm just trying to point people in the right direction. Please try to understand this before you start bashing me on the forums. If anyone else begins trolling my thread, I WILL report this to gardenweb.

Thank You
larry_gene
14 years ago
Meow!

Consider that GardenWeb already has instructions for how to use the forums (look at FAQs, use search function, etc), and this obviates various how-to titles.

Also consider this paradox: This thread title, as with all titles, has a page-one shelf life of mere days. Even if visitors dig through the first 3 pages, the title will appear for a couple of months at best. Newcomers will not get the benefits of your advice! They will start asking questions! Of course you could keep bumping it up, as was suggested above. There is no word in your title that people would use in the forum search tool.

That is the key to avoiding controversial or unsearchable posts: Consider the wording of your Title carefully.
-------------------
There was a recent post in another forum titled "Has this question been answered before?". Got to admit it was a must-read post just to get to the question!
tammyinwv
14 years ago

"Yippy ti yi yo get along little doggies it's your misfortune and none of my own"
color=blue>size=6>

rememeber the "get along little doggies cow herding song" Well it seems kind of appropriate here, that is if you change doggies to "kitties" (you know.....for cats....butterflies...."herding cats"....oh well, its getting late, and everyhting is amusing when your half awake,lol.

"While I was walkin' one mornin' for pleasure
I spied a young cowboy just ridin' along
His hat was throwed back and his spurs were a jinglin'
And as he approached he was singin' this song
Yippy ti yi yo get along little doggies it's your misfortune and none of my own
Yippy ti yi yo get along little doggies you know that Wyoming will be your new home"
susanlynne48
14 years ago
HeeHeeHee, Tammy! Are you sure you're not from OkieHoma??

Just that image in my head of herding cats is totally hilarious!

You are tooooooooo funny, girl!

Susan
tammyinwv
14 years ago
susan ,see what these odd hours do to you? Even you thought that was funny,lol. We gotta get some sleep.
Tammy
ishareflowers {Lisa}
14 years ago
" After you have identified the different species of butterflies that are in your area, THEN you can ask us questions"

I don't see any reason why people can't ask any question that they want, it may get annoying to someone who has answered it a hundred times BUT noone says that you have to answer it again. The choice is yours!

I have seen many postings and I think that SOME people just like to create "issues" when there really isn't one.

This is supposed to be a fun place to come and share your comments and knowledge. I don't think anyone comes here to get scolded for asking a question, some people don't have all day to search the threads. I know I don't. I'm sure that I have asked questions that were asked before and people have been very kind.

Maybe, a little more time in the garden would be helpful.

I find a walk around my gardens as good as a valium!(not that I have taken them but you get the drift)

Lisa :)
butterflymomok
14 years ago
For those of you wondering about Larry, check out the thread, "Posting Questions".
greenguy1956
14 years ago
Why do they call them butterflys do the eat Butter?
marik_247
14 years ago
I love this site. Everybody is so nice and friendly and helpful! :)
bernergrrl
14 years ago
About why butterflies are named thus: I think it's because some of the more common ones (some sulphurs) are the color of butter?? Does anyone else know? Is that really why?
susanlynne48
14 years ago
From what I've read, that could be one of the origins of the name "butterfly". Another one is that butterflies used to be drawn to butter laying out on cabinets or windowsills in the olden days. Another is that they appeared during spring at "butter churning" time.

Fascinating, isn't it?

Susan
tammyinwv
14 years ago
I thought greenguy was trying to be silly, but that turned out to be a very interesting question. Thanks Susan.
tammy
susanlynne48
14 years ago
I think he was, LOL, but then I had to think about it, do a bit of research because it certainly raised a question in my mind, and found a few reasons for the origin of the name. Essentially it morphed into a "bigger picture" than perhaps he intended, heehee!

Susan
tammyinwv
14 years ago
LOL, it sure made for a humorous and interesting read.
tammy

Things to consider before you start asking questions

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