As we move further into the summer months, you may begin to notice some interesting visitors to your property. Butterflies, bees and other insects are actively looking for flowers filled with nectar and opportunities to pollinate – and by providing the right flowers and plants, you can create a beautiful and purposeful garden. Casas Adobes Flower Shop can supply you with all  you need to get started in providing a safe haven for the bees & butterflies in the Tucson area.

Butterflies are a beautiful addition to any summer backyard. With the right flowers in place, you can attract these delicate insects to your yard all season. Butterflies seek out colorful flowers and nectar, and depending on species, are especially interested in asters, lilies, verbena, daisies, goldenrod and coneflowers. Butterflies are also drawn to herbs including lavender and oregano, as well as plants such as thistle, clover, and milkweed.

Here’s a Tip: Not all insects are welcome – repel the pesky ones with marigolds, chrysanthemums, or petunias. Depending on the pest you are trying to control, bay leaves, rosemary, lemon balm, and lavender will also be effective.

One important insect which is worth attracting to your garden is the honey bee. These industrious creatures, which are critically important to our global food supply, are unfortunately disappearing at an alarming rate. Many experts say that in the United States alone, the population has been reduced by over 40%.  You can help the bees thrive with the addition of a few bee-friendly plants and flowers – luckily, they are often attracted to many of the same ones you planted for the butterflies. Bees consider nectar roses, asters and sunflowers delicious – and also will show up for lavender, mint, sage, rosemary and lemongrass.

Won’t they sting? Most experts agree that it is very rare for a honeybee to sting unless it is defending its hive; and exceptionally rare for a foraging honey bee to pay you any attention unless you threaten or corner it.

Adding friendly flowers to your yard or patio will encourage bees & butterflies to visit, and will assist the bees in their fight for survival.  Let the floral professionals at Casas Adobes Flower Shop assist in designing the perfect landscape, which will not only be beautiful, but will serve an important purpose.