Native plants have co-evolved with wild birds creating a mutually beneficial relationship.  Birds eat and disperse native seeds. The plants in turn, provide protective cover and nesting sites. The seeds last well into winter and are very important for wild bird survival.  Foreign invasive plants reduce variety, quality and seasonal availability.  Even creating small gardens with native plants can provide important food and habitat for local and migrating bird

 

 

Hummingbirds are attracted to native wildflowers for their nectar and nutrition.  They acquire protein, vitamins and minerals from small insects that are attracted to native plants.  Caution: use of pesticides eliminates the insect food source and may harm hummingbirds.

 

 

Much of our native butterflies’ habitat has been developed or converted to monoculture crops.  We can provide very important wildflower havens for their food and reproduction needs.  Native plants are best because they have evolved with butterflies for the ultimate benefit of each other.

 

Plant big splashes of color with early, mid and late season blooms to help butterflies find your native plant garden.

 

The monarch  migration is the most  spectacular of the  insect world!

 

Conservationists and government agencies are concerned about threats to monarch breeding, migration and wintering habitats.  These butterflies are dependent upon conservation of habitat in Canada, United States, and Mexico. 

 

Monarchs have been known to fly as far as 3000 miles to reach their wintering grounds. They need an abundance of nectar sources to make their migration south.  Providing “islands” of nectar sources from native wildflowers are crucial within large areas of urban and agricultural development.  These areas help “recharge” their fuel stores so they can complete their journey and sustain them over winter. 

 

In the spring it takes three or more generations to get back north.  Monarchs breed only where members of the milkweed family are found.  The milkweeds are a single host plant for the monarch.  Without them their larvae will not develop into an adult butterfly.  So along with spring, summer, and fall nectar sources, members of the milkweed family (Asclepias spp.) MUST be included for monarch butterfly gardens.

 

 

Agrecol’s Bird  & Butterfly Plant Gardens and Seed  Mixes include species that are: