Bigger Than Life

Sue Arnold knows how to get the most out of a butterfly garden. Check out her Web site at www.arnoldswildlife.org. Here are a few of Sue's secrets…

Keep it simple. Start with a small plot, and plant perennials and flowering shrubs first. Then fill in with annuals as needed.
Look for nurseries in your area that claim to have native plants. They will have a good selection to choose from, and they will be perfect for the butterflies in your region.

Don't worry if your garden isn't perfect. You will get holes in your leaves because that's what the caterpillars do—eat the leaves. But be patient. Those same caterpillars will soon be beautiful butterflies.
National Audubon Society field guides for individual states show butterflies in your region and the plants they like. These are great resources.
Go on-line. Some of Sue's favorite sites are www.butterflywebsite.com and www.naba.org.