Imagine a garden full of butterflies! Isn't that a great idea? But if you don't want to plant certain flowers for this purpose, which also require more or less care, we have found the perfect alternative. Why just feed the birds with a birdhouse in the winter when you can do the same for the butterflies in the summer? With a butterfly feeder, you can observe these enchanting creatures and enjoy their grace.
The butterfly feeder also ensures that a larger number of butterfly species visit your garden. You'll definitely be amazed at how many different species there are in your region that you didn't know about. If you now feel like equipping your garden with such a feeding station, you can either buy a ready-made one or make one yourself. In this article we have a simple guide that will help you find the perfect oneDIYYou can make a feeding station out of a few items, most of which you even have around the house.
from a mason jar
You need for thatfeeding stationfor butterflies:
– small mason jar with lid
- Scissors
– Sponge or cotton wool
– Cord
– Zucker
- Water
– possibly felt or balsa wood in the shape of a teardrop
You will need a piece of string. The length should be at least three times the length of the mason jar. You can use this cord to create the macramé, which you can use to hang up the mason jar later.
The pretty pattern of macrame is basically created thanks to the knots that are tied. For this reason, this is also the next step for the butterfly feeder. Start by tying a knot around the neck of the mason jar. This should be tied so that the ends of the string remain the same length.
Repeat the whole thing three more times, whereby the knots should be approximately the same distance from each other. Above you can see how the string should finally be tied.
Turn the mason jar upside down. This is also the position in which it will be hung later. When the length is 2.5 cm, tie another knot. Repeat three more times to create a second row of knots.
All that's missing is the last row of knots. This should be level with the bottom of the mason jar. Do not cut off the remaining string, but use it to hang the butterfly feeder anywhere in the garden or on the terrace, balcony or veranda.
Now take the lid. Poke or drill a hole in the middle and then insert a piece of cotton wool through it. Before screwing the lid on the jar, prepare the food for the butterfly feeder. To do this, mix water and sugar to make sweet sugar water. Use this to fill the lid, which you then screw onto the jar. The cotton wool is now soaking up the water and will soon attract the first butterflies.
Plate as a feeding place
You can also use a plate. Not only can you put various sweet fruits there, but you can also decorate the area with other things. Flowers, whether real or artificial, are a great idea and make the feeding station even more pleasant. Find out what insects like to eatin this article.
Feel free to decorate the string you use for hanging with beads to add some extra color. Butterflies, as you probably know, love everything sweet. Ripe bananas or strawberries are a great choice when it comes to butterfly food.
made of glass
As already mentioned, you can use various household items that you no longer use. For example, combine a mason jar with an old glass candlestick. Stick the latter upside down on the mason jar with silicone and use the base as a plate for the food. You can also decorate this feeding place by sticking or painting it.
If you are handy, you can also build a pretty wooden butterfly feeder. Narrow cracks serve as entrance and exit, while the lining is inside. In this way you also offer the pretty butterflies a place to stay for the night so they can rest.
with landing pad
You can easily design the entrance by simply arranging a few strips in front of the hole with a small distance between them. If you plan to add a landing pad, consider an opening for a bowl. You can then put the food there.
in birdhouse look
If you like the designs of the birdhouses, just use one for the butterfly feeder too. However, the house with a roof should be a little smaller. Removable bowls are useful because they are easier to wash.
You can also see a simple and simple design in this example. Even beginners can try out the idea. The long, yellow sponge can be soaked in sugar water to attract butterflies. The small bowls in the landing area serve the same purpose.
made of wire
This one is even easier than the mason jar idea. Use ordinary wire for this. It can also have a pretty color. It is formed into a spiral that becomes narrower towards the bottom. You can now store any fruit in it. Don't forget to replace them regularly. The butterflies need fresh, juicy fruit. They don't like anything dried out.
Form a flower
But wire can also be formed into other things. How about, for example, using a flower like this as a feeding place for butterflies. You can then stick these into the ground and spice up a flower bed even more. Leave a hole in the middle for a bowl in which you can place a sponge with sugar water or fruit.
Idea with plastic cups
This simple idea is also made according to a similar principle. You will need plastic cups, which should not be too deep. Such roles, in which you provide the food, in a way imitate a flower into which the butterflies put their proboscis in order to be able to suck up the food. This way the feeding area becomes even more authentic.
Ready-made feeding stations are available to buy in a wide variety of versions. So if you don't feel like it or simply don't have the time to build one, you can always resort to this variant. In the end, you will get the desired effect either way: countless butterflies in the garden.
