I've grown seeds from that very same packet "Bring Home the Butterflies" (from Botanical Interests), and I live in San Francisco too. It's a great mix packet! Comes with so many different types, and lots of them too. I still have a bunch. Since those seeds come from all different climate zones, you don't need to worry about planting them too early or too late. In San Francisco, you can plant them pretty much any time of the year. I would recommend though, if you want to only plant a few types from that mix, that you look up information on those plants so you can give them the most suitable environment, because they are all different. (For instance, some plants might need darkness to germinate, some might need light, etc, some might need part shade, etc.) I know the packet is designed for the gardener to just toss a bunch of seeds on the ground and let nature do the rest, but I've planted mine separately just because I wanted to have individual plants, not a big crowded pot. Two years ago I first planted my butterfly seeds in the middle of summer and I had flowers all the way up until Christmas time. There will always be late-season bugs happy to find a home in your plants.

irish rose grower, teh yellow butterfly weed certainly attract the butteflies including the beautiful Monarch!!The butterfly weed is easier to grow than the bushes. Those should be pruned but not the weed!! Jean, I live in the country and we have lots of deer here but they never bother anything. Could be, because we have so many dogs.. They do not run loose though.. Michelle, abnatives.com Spring Hill nursery have it. I saw it lots of places and they called the ordinary oakleaf, Harmony. Harmony is different the the wild hydrangea.. Thank you Nancy, we have tons of the wild butterfly weed here too!! Thanks Debra. They aren't red spots though, the are more stripes..Beautiful anyway!! Thanks everyone...Ellie

New to the gardens this year, the butterfly house lets you get an up-close look at native butterflies as they transform from egg to caterpillar, from caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally from chrysalis to butterfly! Interpretive guides will help you find critters and answer your butterfly questions. In the Butterfly Garden Explore a garden of host plants for caterpillars and butterflies! This garden showcases plants to attract an amazing variety of butterflies to the home landscape. Chase a butterfly or two and pick up some ideas to try at home! In the Park Take a tour of the botanical gardens! Get friendly with live animals at the Caterpillar Petting Zoo! Make your own Butterfly & Caterpillar Crafts! Learn about Host Plants and Butterfly Gardening! Shop for Butterfly Host Plants and Garden Accents! Saturday, July 11 Festival Activities and Butterfly House open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 9:00 Class: Butterfly Photography Learn tips and tricks for capturing butterflies on film and practice new techniques in the gardens. **Class size is limited; to register for this class call 823-9966 or e-mail naturelens @ aol.com 10:00 Class: Butterfly Identification Get to know your backyard visitors. 11:30 Class: Gardening for Butterflies Learn to attract butterflies to your home landscape. 12:00 Butterfly & Caterpillar Costume Contests Dress for success in your best homemade butterfly or caterpillar costume and meet around the statue in the butterfly garden. Sunday, July 12 Festival Activities and Butterfly House open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 12:00 Butterfly & Caterpillar Costume Contests Dress for success in your best homemade butterfly or caterpillar costume and meet around the statue in the butterfly garden. 1:00 Class: Butterfly Identification Get to know your backyard visitors. 2:30 Class: Gardening for Butterflies Learn to attract butterflies to your home landscape.

What a fabulous turn out of over 4,500 visitors over the two day, first time event! If you'd like to see photos, click here and here If you made it to the event, what did you learn? What did you enjoy most?