With anything that I do, I research until my heart’s content and I find the answers I am seeking. A few years ago, I stumbled upon the North American Butterfly Association, sparking a curiosity and desire to become involved.

I decided to continue to add to my butterfly garden space – more nectar plants, more host plants to attract new species of butterflies, before becoming certified. 

My host plants now include – corkystem passionvine, maypop passionvine, Giant milkweed, butterfly milkweed, wild lime, birthwort, Dutchman pipe, bahama cassia, purpletop vervain, coontie, candlestick cassia, dill, frogfruit, Mexican petunia,  plumbago, and Virginia pepperweed.

The nectar plants, also continue to grow in assortment. Some of my favorites include blanket flowers, zinnia, sweet almond bush, Mexican sunflower, and firebush.

With a these plants, my garden now extends across the front of my house, from my front door and beyond. There are many plants that have resseded themselves filling in more space around the walkway. The great part – I am still finding spaces to fill in with more new plants.

I am excited to share that my garden sign arrived, as well as my certificate. I now need to make a stake so I can put it in the garden.

I now have a certified butterfly garden. My passion continues to grow, even now, after more than five years of diving into this new passion and continuing to grow my knowledge of how to create the best space for butterflies.