Garden Can Take Wing

Provide these attractions to make your home a local hangout for birds and butterflies.

Color. Bright blooms packed with crunchy seeds, like sunflowers and zinnias, are best for enticing birds. Some butterflies prefer purple, such as phlox or the aptly named butterfly bush.

Food. As a treat for butterflies, leave out a slice of ripe lemon. For birds, avoid packaged seeds full of sorghum, which they have trouble eating. Use a mix with seeds like sunflower and millet instead.

Water. To start a bird party, attach a dripper tube to your hose and let it drip into a shallow birdbath. Butterflies will like a clay pot saucer filled with stones and a bit of water.

Sun. Butterflies are cold blooded, so place lures in warmer spots. Birds, on the other hand, like shelter. Research their preferences and act accordingly.