Background

A well-planned garden can provide habitat over much of the life cycle of some of Canada's beautiful butterflies: hidden spaces for eggs to hatch, green leaves and stems for caterpillars to browse, safe places for pupae to mature, and sweet, sweet nectar for emerging (or visiting) adults. In a world where natural pockets of habitat are becoming increasingly scarce, especially outside protected areas such as parks, your contribution will likely be well used by myriad winged wildlife. They will return the favour by performing that essential service for renewing ecosystems — pollination.

Butterfly species vary across Canada and have adapted to local plants. Here is a list of general tips to keep in mind when planning for a butterfly garden:

•  Plant in the spring
• Use a variety of species
•  Choose sunny spots protected from foot traffic
•  Select plants native to your region
  •  Invasive plants can compete with native species to the detriment of local ecosystems
• Include plants for caterpillars as well as adult butterflies
•  Use butterfly-friendly plants such as: Aster, dogbane, fleabane, goldenrod, milkweed, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan and lupine. 
•  Water regularly 
• Weed out undesired growth
•  Mulch to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds 
  • This will be important in the summertime when the school is empty
•  Recruit parent or guardian volunteers

NOTES

• When selecting plants for the butterfly garden, teachers have found that mature plants work best with young students to prevent tiny feet from breaking seedlings.

IN ADVANCE

• Find a small corner away from heavy use in the schoolyard, or flower boxes situated in appropriate outdoor locations.

MATERIALS

• Basic gardening tools, seeds or nursery stock for native perennials, sunny space in the school yard or planting boxes, watering cans

SAFETY

•  Brief students on the precautions for bees and other stinging insects.

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Task

Research and plan a garden and enjoy the accompanying feelings of ownership and responsibility.

• Discuss:
  • The importance of pollinators
  • What people can do to help pollinators such as butterflies
• At the site you chose, guide the students as they plant varieties of hardy, native flowering plants
  
• Over the following weeks or months: 
  • Involve students in the care of the plants (regular watering and weeding)
  • Have students observe, sketch and talk about the butterflies that visit their garden.
•  Discuss the importance of pollinators and pollination, including threats to pollinators. In particular:
  • The need for suitable pollinator habitat 
•  Link the discussion to cases of rare butterflies
•  Involve the students in planning the garden project, including: 
  • Selecting a location 
  • Developing a landscape plan
  • Obtaining permission from authorities 
  • Communications with the school community
  • A work plan for the project 
• Guide students as they research: 
  • The species of butterflies they wish to attract
  • The species of native plants that are appropriate for the site 
•  Acquire the plants. Develop: 
  • A work bee for the initial planting
  • A duty roster for the care and tending of the garden
• Monitor the garden and keep a written, photographic or video log

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Learning Objectives

1.  Identify that pollination is important to many plants and, consequently, to humans.
2.  Describe the role that butterflies play in pollination.
3. Identify and describe which butterflies may be rare or endangered and why.
4.  Describe the importance of suitable habitat to butterfly survival.
5.  Describe actions that people can take to contribute to healthy pollinator habits.

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