• Bats & Butterflies,  Bird Accessories,  Butterfly Feeder,  Misters and Birdbath Drippers,  Uncategorized

    Glass Butterfly Feeders and More

    Staked Glass butterfly feeder or bathInnovative by design, with beauty to compliment any environment, these glass butterfly feeders work perfectly in any garden setting. With their rich hues, the large hand-blown glass  flowers make for a fun and interesting focal point. Add versatility to this…and they become more than just feeders.

    In our yard a red one sits just below a leaf mister, and as the water collects in the flower, it  creates the perfect bath –  not only for butterflies, but birds too! The unique shape allows for feeding nectar or fruit to butterflies as well. Over-ripened fruit like bananas, melon, peaches, pears and more can easily be placed in the flower. Add nectar to this glass flower with or without the use of a sponge.

    When attracting butterflies, several factors come into play. Landscape and the use of flowers is an important one. Nectar producing plants, and host plants will yield the best results when used in conjunction with one another.

    A water source is very helpful too, but butterflies do not use birdbaths. Puddlers are more suited for attracting these “flying flowStoneware butterfly feeder or puddlerers”. Puddlers are just what the name implies, pools of water, or puddles. They can range from small to large, plastic or stoneware, raised or at ground level. This puddler is handcrafted of weatherproof stoneware, so it stays in the garden year-round. It gives butterflies a place to dry in the sun (after bathing) with its’ smooth rock-like surface. Some puddlers may even be used as butterfly feeders, with spaces for offering fruit or nectar.

    Butterfly accessories that are versatile and interchangeable are always a sure bet as you can try different things to see what works best for attracting these little guys to your garden.

    leaf mister next to a butterfly feederA leaf mister in our yard sits in front of a glass butterfly feeder. Unfortunately from this angle, the feeder is hidden by shrubs. But it’s the perfect example of using a butterfly feeder as a bath instead.

  • Bats & Butterflies,  Bird Accessories,  Butterfly Houses,  Uncategorized

    Are Butterfly Houses for Aesthetics or Shelter?

    Etched Glass and Redwood Butterfly HouseSurprising to me, we had a wonderful butterfly season in the Atlanta area this year. I can’t recall a summer where so many had populated my yard. I know the two leaf misters were a huge attraction for them, along with some newly planted milkweed. Other flowers like lantana and abelia shrubs saw lots of action from these winged jewels too. There is no butterfly house in the yard, and I’ve always wondered whether or not butterflies really use them?

    Some butterfly houses are like detailed works of art for the garden, they enhance and add a nice focal point to the area. The butterfly house shown here is constructed of durable red cedar, and the etched glass panels that catch light beautifully. It’s available as a hanging, or post mount model too.

    But back to the question if butterflies really use butterfly houses or not?
    A bit of research reveals the answer here:

  • Bats & Butterflies,  Butterfly Feeder,  Uncategorized

    Add a Water Source Near Butterfly Feeders

    Stoneware Butterfly PuddlerThe butterfly activity around our yard is amazing this season! As compared to last summer, there seems to be at least three to four times more. We have no butterfly feeders per se, but do use various things to attract and keep them around…and it works great!

    Flowers in the garden include Lantana, Butterfly Bush, Bee Balm, Abelia shrubs, and Milkweed. The best part is that these are all perennials, quite hardy, and come back bigger every year. There are also two leaf misters which butterflies flit back and forth above all day long in our excruciating summer heat, hummingbirds love them too!. Leaf Misters Attract Butterfies TooThe newest addition to lure butterflies is large stoneware puddler. With a spot for water in the center, the smooth, white rock gives them a place to rest in the sun and dry off, sun bathing if you will.

    So, even without the use of butterfly feeders, you can still entice and attract these graceful and beautiful creatures. Create a habitat for wildlife in your yard by planting trees, shrubs and flowers to provide food and shelter, and adding a fresh water source for birds and wildlife. It brings nature home, and helps the environment too.