One of the most popular ways of
assisting with butterfly conservation is by planting lots of suitable food
plants in the garden. The most “helpful” plants are those which flower late in
the season, these can make a real difference to those butterflies which roots
or hibernate, as they need to build up their fat reserves for the long winter
ahead. The flowers need to be rich in nectar and also attractive to butterflies
in the first place. 
Good examples include the
Iceplant (Sedum Spectabile), Valerian (Valerianaceae Spp), and the Michelmas
Daisy (Aster novi-belgii). It is not so important to have plants that flower
during the summer as there are usually plenty around for the butterflies to
choose from. However, if like most people you want to encourage butterflies
whenever possible, it’s a good idea to plant a wide range of flower species to
maintain a food supply at all times. Those that flower early in the year will
help the winter’s survivors in early spring.
Some people also plant things
which will be suitable for larval food plants as well as for the adult
butterflies. Nettles are very god for many of the “Nymphalids” so it is common
for several well-meaning gardeners to leave a patch somewhere out of sight.
Unfortunately this is only too
often behind a shed or under some overhanging trees where they won’t get in the
way. They then feel justified to say that they have “done their bit” in the
cause of conservation; sadly though the patch is usually damp and lacks
sunlight. This will nearly always be rejected by discerning female butterflies,
as they will not lay eggs where they are likely to fall victim to fungal problems
caused by lack of warmth ventilation and light.
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