Guidelines: 

Creating a small butterfly garden in Florida or in other parts of the country can be a fun and educational S.T.E.A.M. project for all students, especially elementary students.  This project can be done is your own garden area or you can collaborate as a small group in a school or home environment. 

Remember to keep a journal or a video journal to record information on the butterflies. This will help the child/children remember what happened when and can be used to verify information if you do this project more than one once. Do remember each time there will be difference, which will make it a fun experience. 

It teaches children about nature, the lifecycle of butterflies, and the importance of conservation and giving a helping hand that nature needs at times to survive. Butterflies especially Monarchs do need our help.

Here’s a simple guide to help you and your child or students create a thriving butterfly garden:

1. Choose the Right Location

Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Ensure the area is somewhat protected from strong winds.

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2. Prepare the Soil

Clear the area of grass and weeds.

Enhance the soil with compost to provide nutrients for the plants or better still plant your plants in large pots as Grace did. 

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3. Select Butterfly-Friendly Plants

Native Milkweed: Essential for Monarch caterpillars. Try Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) or Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed).

Nectar Plants: Choose a variety of plants to provide nectar throughout the seasons. Good options include Lantana, Pentas, Zinnias, and Goldenrod.

Mix of Annuals and Perennials: This ensures blooms throughout the year. Include some native plants, as they're adapted to Florida’s climate and beneficial for local butterflies.

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4. Plant in Groups

Planting in clusters rather than single plants makes it easier for butterflies to find the flowers.

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5. Provide Water

Butterflies need water but cannot drink from open water sources. Create a “puddling” area by burying a shallow dish in the ground and filling it with sand. Keep it moist so butterflies can suck up the water from the damp sand.

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6. Offer Shelter

Include a few small shrubs or trees for butterflies to take shelter from predators and harsh weather.

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7. Avoid Chemicals

Do not use pesticides in or around your butterfly garden. They can harm butterflies and their caterpillars.

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8. Educational Components – Monarch and Other Butterflies

Label the Plants: Have the students create labels for the plants to learn their names and what type of butterfly they attract.

Lifecycle Stages: Include plants that caterpillars like to eat, and use signs to explain the lifecycle of a butterfly.

Observation Journal: Encourage students to keep a Monarch journal on these butterflies. Have students record, what they see and any changes in the garden.  Draw pictures with details to help complete your journal notes.  Teach students about the importance of weeding, watering, and general garden care.

Plan for how the garden will be cared for during school breaks if you are working in a school

 

Make It a Learning Experience- A S.T.E.A.M. Experience

 

Use the garden as an outdoor classroom. Teach lessons on plant biology, the importance of pollinators, and conservation.

Invite a local naturalist or butterfly expert to speak with the students about their new garden and its inhabitants.

Planting a butterfly garden is a rewarding project that can inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship among young students. 

By taking these steps, you can create a beautiful and educational space that benefits both the students and local butterfly populations in Florida and elsewhere.