“All the green of nature is concentrated within the flower.”
— Saint Hildegard of Bingen
A garden is more than beauty — it is an ecosystem, a refuge, a quiet act of faith. And few gardens give back quite like a butterfly garden. With each bloom and fluttering wing, butterflies pollinate, nourish, and remind us of life’s cycles: transformation, emergence, return.
At HomeandFashion.love we believe in gardens that are both meaningful and magnificent. Below, discover how to design a perennial butterfly garden in the Catskills that welcomes some of the world’s most beloved species — from tiger swallowtails and painted ladies, to checkerspots, orange tips, and the elusive marine blue.
Why a Butterfly Garden?
Butterflies aren’t just charming guests — they’re ecological allies. By creating a garden that welcomes them, you:
• Support pollination of flowers, vegetables, and herbs
• Contribute to biodiversity and restore natural balance
• Provide safe habitats for both butterflies and native bees
• Turn your home into a living work of art — one that changes daily
And with species like the painted lady and checkerspot declining across the Northeast, your garden becomes an act of stewardship.
Butterflies We Want to Welcome
Here are just a few species you can attract with intentional planting:
• Tiger Swallowtail
• Spicebush Swallowtail
• Painted Lady
• Alfalfa Butterfly
• Orange Tip
• Admirals (Red & White)
• Marine Blue
• Checkerspot
• Heliconias (note: tropical; ideal for potted indoor/outdoor rotation)
Perennials That Butterflies Love
These are the hard-working plants — beautiful, reliable, and rich in nectar or host value. All thrive in Zone 5 (Catskills region).
1. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Host plant for monarchs
• Nectar source for swallowtails, checkerspots
• Vibrant orange — stunning in borders
2. Lantana (Hardy Varieties)
• Clusters of yellow, pink, coral
• Loved by painted ladies & admirals
• Best in containers; can be overwintered inside
3. French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
• Strong nectar source
• Natural pest deterrent
• Ideal along vegetable borders
4. Petunia (Perennial in sheltered spots or pots)
• Night-scented — attracts moths and evening butterflies
• Gorgeous in hanging baskets and window boxes
5. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
• Early spring bloom = essential first nectar
• Attracts tiger swallowtails and orange tips
6. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Long blooming season
• Pollinator magnet
• Gorgeous pressed for art
7. Bergamot (Bee Balm)
• Rich in nectar + Hildegard-approved healing plant
• Pairs beautifully with lavender and thyme
8. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Bold gold blooms
• Loved by checkerspots and fritillaries
9. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
• Towering purple blooms
• Irresistible to swallowtails and admirals
How to Create Your Butterfly Garden (Step by Step)
1. Choose a Sunny Spot
Butterflies need warmth to fly. Pick a space that receives at least 6 hours of full sun daily.
2. Layer in Blooming Time
Choose perennials that bloom in sequence — so nectar is available from early spring to late fall.
3. Add Host Plants
Caterpillars need leaves to eat. Consider:
• Milkweed (monarchs)
• Dill or fennel (swallowtails)
• Violets (fritillaries)
4. Skip Pesticides
Butterflies are sensitive — opt for organic gardening and natural pest companions like marigolds and basil.
5. Provide Water & Shelter
Flat stones for sunbathing, shallow dishes with water, and gentle hedging provide the rest.
Butterflies and the Home: Beauty with Purpose
At HomeandFashion.love we believe every garden tells a story — of balance, beauty, and becoming.
• Butterflies pollinate the herbs you grow in your kitchen.
• They appear in the pressed flower frames you hang in your foyer.
• They flutter through the tea rituals, botanical linens, and natural scents that define your daily rhythm.
They are not just decoration. They are design partners
Bring the Meadow In
Shop our curated pieces to complement your butterfly garden journey:
• Floating pressed-flower frames — frame your first black-eyed Susan or bergamot stem
• Designer garden tools — plant with beauty and precision
• Linen tea towels and aprons — botanical prints inspired by your very garden
• Tea brewing sets — pair with bergamot or mint from your pollinator patch
Let Your Garden Speak
“Just as the soul fills the body, so God fills the world.” — Saint Hildegard
Let your garden speak to that soul-space. Let it flutter, bloom, and rise.
This season, plant for pollinators.
Design with intention.
Style with softness.
And let your home become a place where butterflies — and blessings — return.
To grow. To RISE. To become.