To attract butterflies and keep them visiting you must have a variety of plants such as nectar and host plants. Provide shelter from the wind and a sunny location.
First, is to find a good sunny location, and a shelter away from the wind. They need the sun to warm up, but they do not want to eat in an area where it is windy, and they have to fight with the wind to stay on the plant. Also try to keep some flat stones so they can take a brake.
Second, they need water just like we do to survive. Keep a damp puddle of mud in a sunny location.
Third, is selecting plants with bright colors. The adult butterflies feed on the flower nectar. Some of their favorites includes Asters, Azalea, Bee Balm, Blueberry, Butterfly Bush, and Butterfly weed.
Another type of plant you should have are Host plants. These types are used to lay their eggs. These includes Passion Vine, Dutchman's Pipe, Fennel, Dill, Parsley, and Milkweeds.
Last, welcome the butterflies to your garden by having a butterfly house. It could give them protection from the wind and weather. Also it could be used for hibernating and keep the predators away.
