Spring: New Life for Butterflies and Gardens!

Exotic white lilies have long been heralds of both Eastertide and springtime. One of my favorite scriptures in the Holy Bible is one that Jesus spoke to certain people in the multitude who were overly anxious about gaining earthly possessions for themselves. His answer to them was this simple scripture that portrays the beautiful lily so perfectly:

"Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Luke 12:27 - Holy Bible RSV)

In spite of all the wealth and material things King Solomon acquired during his lifetime, nothing he possessed could compare to the simplicity and beauty of the lilies that grew and blossomed in the fields. There is a powerful lesson to be learned in this one verse of scripture.

As much as I have tried, I am still unable to fathom how a tiny seed, a bulb, or a corm can be placed in the soil for a time, then grow, then suddenly bring forth such a glorious array of blossoms. Often I find myself boasting about the beautiful flowers "I" have grown when they are in full bloom in my garden. And yet, I can't help but remember that I had very little to do with either their growth or their blooming. I only planted the seeds and then fertilized and watered the soil; it was really God who did all the rest!

Yes, there truly is something awe-inspiring about springtime. Although it's true that each season brings its own special beauty -- especially where we live -- spring always seems to be greeted with the most fervor. Perennial flowers of many varieties, flowering bulbs, and shrubs and trees that have been resting during the cold months of winter are slowly coming back to life as evidenced by their tender new leaves and swollen buds. Bright green spikes of hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, narcissus and crocuses are already sporting a dazzling rainbow of blossoms. I especially love the springtime season here in beautiful Washington State. In addition to the welcome sight of the spring flowers, spring brings with it another sign of new life -- a brand new generation of gossamer-winged butterflies!

These mystical returning migrants from the south will soon be seeking suitable places to settle and mate and rear their young here in our area. Female butterflies will be primarily concerned about locating their species' specific host plants on which to lay their fertilized eggs -- not and easy chore at times. However, they instinctively know they must find those plants to ensure that their caterpillars will have appropriate food for survival after hatching. Both male and female butterflies will be seeking flowers from which to imbibe nectar for their own survival. They will also be looking for shelter from inclement weather, a sunny place for basking, and a source of water -- some for sipping and perhaps some for "puddling."

Butterflies may appear to lead very carefree lives as we see them flitting here and there in early spring and throughout the lazy days of summer. However, unless they find suitable food, shelter, water, and an appropriate place to rear their young, many may not survive. As a result, butterflies must always be busy as they really do have a very essential mission in their brief lives -- to ensure the propagation and survival of their species.

Unfortunately, many natural butterfly habitats in North America are disappearing at an alarming rate because of a variety of reasons. In recent years, the poisonous chemicals and pesticides being used to kill noxious insects, the seemingly endless construction of homes, condominiums, businesses, and factories in and around many natural butterfly habitats, and the heavy logging being done in some forested areas have all contributed to a declining butterfly population.

The most vital role that gardeners can play in their local areas to ensure butterflies of an enduring future is to plant both nectar and host plants in their gardens. Butterfly gardens can be very small or they may cover several acres -- their size is not really important. What is most critical is that butterflies native to certain areas can readily find the essential host plants the females need. If those specific host plants are sparse or have been entirely destroyed, gardeners can do a lot to help restore the butterfly population to their locales by planting both nectar-producing flowers AND host plants in their gardens.

I tend to believe that butterfly gardening can be likened to the "sowing and reaping" parable that Jesus also mentioned in the Bible. If we sow seeds of kindness, sharing, caring, and love in the gardens of our lives, we will without a doubt reap the results of those good seeds when it's harvest time. Conversely, if we sow seeds of anger, bitterness, greed, and hatred, those will be the ugly fruits that our baskets will be filled with at the end of our lives. In our butterfly gardens, we should strive to plant many varieties of good seeds and plants that will eventually feed adult butterflies, their caterpillars, and also the next generation of butterflies that will emerge from their chrysalis's. Thus, we will not only reap a harvest of beautiful flowers to enjoy, but we will also be privileged to have bountiful butterflies returning to our gardens year after year. After all, God really did create these mystical "flying flowers" for our enjoyment.

Another favorite scripture comes to mind as I end this Eastertide-Springtime article. Jesus also taught the people that:

"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6 - Holy Bible RSV)

I fully believe this sound advice from the Master Gardener can also be applied to our butterfly gardens. So my friends and readers, until next time -- sow your butterfly gardens bountifully this spring and it won't be long until you will have abundant "flying flowers" gracing your flower gardens.

Once again, I wish you all a very blessed Easter and a happy, healthy spring!