Raising Butterflies in the Garden

Turn any greenspace into one that welcomes butterflies and moths

Brenda Dziedzic noticed that there were far fewer butterflies around today than she saw in her childhood. Starting in her own garden, she set out to learn why and what she could do to fix this. Raising Butterflies in the Garden is the outcome of what she learned about these fascinating insects and the native plants they depend on. In this book, Dziedzic shares the vast experience she gained in helping butterflies thrive through all stages of life. She shows readers how they can do the same—no matter the time of year or the size of their property—by providing all of the information and practical guidance they need.

The book features more than 500 color photographs showing the life cycles of over 35 butterflies and moths—from egg to adult—as well as the host and nectar plants they rely on. Each profiled species also includes a North American range map.

Featured species include:

• Swallowtails: Black Swallowtail, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Spicebush Swallowtail
• Whites/Sulphurs: Cabbage White, Great Southern White and Clouded Sulphur
• Blues: Eastern Tailed-Blue, Karner Blue and Summer Azure
• Brushfoots: American Lady, Monarch and Red Admiral
• Skippers: Common Checkered-Skipper, Silver-Spotted Skipper and Wild Indigo Duskywing
• Silk Moths: Cecropia Moth, Luna Moth and Polyphemus Moth
• Sphinx Moths: Hummingbird Clearwing
• Tussock Moths: Gypsy Moth

Brenda Dziedzic is a gardener whose life changed when she became interested in butterflies. She is now an expert on the subject of raising Lepidopteran species and has won numerous awards for her work. Her memberships include the Southeast Michigan Butterfly Association, Monarch Watch and the North American Butterfly Association. Among her many awards and honors are Master Gardener of the Year and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives. Her garden in Westland, Michigan has also been designated a Butterfly Habitat. She lectures widely and is a media personality on TV and radio.