The goal of this collection is to support butterflies known to occur in the vicinity of Wellesley, by providing host plants for their caterpillars as well as nectar plants generally suitable for butterflies.
These plants are allowed to senesce naturally, to avoid disturbing any overwintering eggs or pupae. They are also allowed to spread and to seed in, although more aggressive species are thinned to maintain space for the full initial diversity of plants.
In the fall of 2011, the butterfly garden was emptied of most of the plantings. Several of the perennials were out-competing the other plants and the number of butterflies was minimal. This garden was redesigned and replanted in the spring of 2012.
See ourButterfly Garden brochurefor additional information.
Photos: Mary D. Doyne and Curtis Runnels