There are many endangered species in this world and one of them lives right here in Maryland. It’s aptly called the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly. Because it is under threat, residents are being encouraged to help improve the species’ chances of survival by creating butterfly habitats. Creating the habitat is quite easy once you arrange to have landscaping supplies delivered free.
The list of landscaping supplies needed to create a haven for Baltimore checkerspot butterflies includes, but is not narrowed down to the following:
- Orgro Compost
- Native Topsoil
- Potting Mixes
- Leaf Mulch
Orgro Compost is excellent for enhancing soil fertility, while native topsoil will give your plants the best environment to grow and thrive in your garden. Potting mixes are essential for planting seeds, and leaf mulch is a great soil conditioner that will boost the soil’s fertility.
Your garden should also be adorned with specific plants that Baltimore checkerspot butterflies find attractive. White turtlehead, milkweed, wild blackberries, dogbane, and mountain mint are all excellent choices. These will provide a food source for the butterflies while also adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of your garden. You might also consider having a butterfly roosting box on hand. Butterflies use these as a place of respite, and it can make your garden more attractive to them.
Once your landscaping supplies have been delivered to your home, find a spot in your yard that is most conducive to the butterflies. The area should ideally feature naturally acidic, clay-based soil and a high water table. If your soil isn’t naturally acidic, there’s no need to worry. Soil enhancements can be used to adjust the pH level to be at, or under, 6.8.
With your chosen area ready and your basic gardening tools at hand, you can start planting the aforementioned vegetation. Don’t forget to install the roosting box in a shaded, protected area within the garden.
If you wish to include a walking path and observation area to your garden, more landscaping materials will be needed. Bluestone gravel, surge gray, stone dust, small river Jack, and masonry or washed concrete sand are all excellent choices for creating a durable, beautiful path. Bluestone gravel and surge gray are especially ideal for the path base, while stone dust can be used for the path’s surface. Small river Jack and masonry or washed concrete sand can be used for the observation area. The sand will provide a firm and stable base, while the river Jack will add a touch of natural beauty to the area.
In summary, creating a butterfly garden in the Baltimore area using landscaping supplies delivered to your home is not just about having the right materials. It also involves a deep understanding of what Baltimore checkerspot butterflies need and prefer. With this knowledge, you can turn your garden into a picturesque haven for these beautiful creatures.
te turtlehead, milkweed, wild blackberries, dogbane, mountain mint seeds and a butterfly roosting box on hand too. The Baltimore checkerspots will use the plants as a source of food and the roosting box as a place of respite.
After the landscaping supplies are delivered free, find an area of land that features naturally acidic, clay-based soil and a high water table. If the soil is not naturally acidic, don’t stress. You can always add soil enhancements to get the pH level at, or under, 6.8. Next, use basic gardening tools to plant the vegetation that we mentioned earlier. You’ll also want to install the roosting box and perhaps make a walking path and observation area as well.
If you do decide to make the walking path and observation area, you’ll want to add to your list of landscaping supplies. The list of landscaping materials that would be perfect for creating butterfly observation areas and walkways includes bluestone gravel, surge gray, stone dust, small river Jack and masonry or washed concrete sand.
To learn more about having landscaping supplies delivered free to your soon-to-be Maryland checkerspot butterfly paradise, please give us a call.