Besides the obvious reason that they are simply beautiful, there are a myriad of other reasons why you may want these flittering creatures to come to your garden. These reasons are both practical as well as mystical when you consider the role of the butterfly in the ecosystem as well as the symbolic representation of butterflies throughout different cultures.

We think that's the most interesting part about attracting butterflies ? what they mean and symbolize in history. We'll look at that part first. You may be quite surprised and learn a bit in the process!

Butterflies have inspired humankind since antiquity, not just for their decorative value but also as spiritual beings, symbolic of metamorphosis, rebirth, love, hope, and freedom. This is the only article that explores the butterfly's role in myth, religion, literature, art, and the decorative arts, and includes magnificent pictures ranging from ancient stone carvings to modern furniture, Pompeian mosaics to Sevres porcelain.

Butterflies apparently have a great deal to do with luck, both good and bad. "In Louisiana it is thought that good luck will follow shortly after a white butterfly flies into your house and flies around you." However, the same action is an omen of death in Maryland

The life cycle of butterflies and moths has been used in many cultures to represent many things. The hatching from the egg is the equivalent of human birth. The caterpillar represents the stage of life; the lowly "worm" waiting for a transformation, just as we await our reward in an afterlife

Another metamorphosal symbol is inherent to the chrysalis (pupa) or cocoon. This is the "magical closet" where the amazing transformation will take place. It is the protective covering which will provide refuge for the changeling. The pupa or cocoon is a natural symbol for protection

As far as adult butterflies, they will stay in your garden for longer periods of time if you have plants for them to lay their eggs on.Patches of plants that flower at the same time are more attractive to butterflies than a single plant with a few flowers. Plant your flowers in sunny places and provide some rocks or stone walls where they can "bask" in the morning to warm up.

Provide a few sheltered areas, like shrubbery or brush piles to protect them from wind and rain, and provide caterpillars a nice place to pupate. You should plant more than one source of nectar. Planting a variety of nectar sources will encourage more butterflies to visit the garden. Here are some nectar bearing plants that usually attract adult butterflies. For example, aster, bee balm, butterfly bush, butterfly plant or cosmos.

Bright colors seem to attract more butterflies, but more importantly, large swaths of color will make it easier for them to find your garden. You may want to include the aptly-named butterfly bush. This large shrub (up to 10 feet) is a magnet to butterflies. In mild-winter areas, its delicate silver foliage adds a pleasing contrast to evergreens. You should cut back to about 18" in late winter because it will grow quickly! In a small garden stick to one of the dwarf varieties which reach about five feet (Nanho blue, petite indigo and others). Buddleia is now considered an invasive plant in coastal areas. Watch for and remove seedlings. If you live near a natural area, plant an alternative such as native wild lilac.

Deadheading spent blossoms on Buddleia and flowers like marigold will encourage new blooms and prolong your garden's butterfly appeal. If you can spare a corner out of the garden limelight, encourage dandelions and clover; these humble plants are attractive nectar sources. Don't tidy up too much, either.

A few rotten apples left under your tree might entice a Red Admiral to stop and eat. This striking butterfly supplements its diet with amino acids from decaying fruit, even animal scat. A brush or wood pile can give shelter to over wintering adults and larvae of several species.