butterfly probs ?

[deb13b]

I don't get many butterflies in my little yard but I try to encourage them. So far this year I have only seen 4 (in total, not just in my yard) and 3 of them were dying. I don't see many at all these days, so it's a bit upsetting that the ones I DO see are on their last legs. It was the same last year aswell.

The pic is of the latest, it was in my yard early this morning. That is the only type I ever get, never seen anything colourful for years.

I know we have the climate probs, weird weather etc but is this it now for british butterflies ?

[Moonmoth]

Sorry to here that you are missing out . The plants I would recommend for Butterflies are Buddliea you can get Mini plants now .Also Majoram /oregano and Verbena Bonariensis and Scabious . If you don't get any after planting these then you can cry ! Hope this solves your problem

[Jez]

I'm also sorry to read your missing out. It's been wonderful so far here esp for small tortoiseshells. If you get orange tips around Durham, maybe do some research, cuckoo flower is also worth having and primroses since you have
Brimstones (photographed), they are 1 of my favourites and their buttery colour is believed to be where butterfly got it's name. They can also be in flight from Feb to November, but they only lay eggs on purging & alder buckthorn. I do hope you get to see more!!!

[Cheryl]

Buddilea is great for attracting Butterflies and insects when it is in flower.

You might like to have a look at this list of plants for attracting them all year round. Gardening - Butterfly Conservation

You mention that you only have a small yard - do you have a wall which you can hang pots for plants?

Pansies, Wallflowers and Sweet Williams do well in normal pots.

Good luck and I hope you manage to attract a few more.