Planting for nature's prettiest pollinators

Think pollinators and you probably think bees, but there are many more besides that can help you in the garden, as long you help them.

Butterflies are hands-down the showiest of the pollinators, with moths taking over when the night-shift rolls around.

Most species first emerge in spring. There is a lull in June while life cycles restart before they reappear in full glory for midsummer into autumn.

Butterfly-friendly planting can be worked into a variety of themes, including cottage gardens, meadow-esque, prairie planting and dry gardens, as well as more tropical and exotic looks.

The best known butterfly-friendly plant is, with good reason, the Buddleia, aka the Butterfly Bush. These days they come in a wide choice of colours with dwarf varieties available too, all beautifully scented.

Add in other plants for the moths and butterflies and your garden can be transformed into a relaxing haven for you as well as them, especially if you like to sit out in the evenings.

Caterpillars are considered the enemy by many gardeners but with butterflies and moths in steep decline it is vital they are tolerated in their larval stage so they can be enjoyed and admired as adults, and there are various plants that help them at this stage.

Hedges can be a big help for both butterflies and caterpillars, as can grasses.

Shallow dishes of water are the finishing touch to give pollinators the chance to drink.

•  Visit the Butterfly Friendly Garden at Katie’s Garden Plant Centre’s Newbourne nursery