Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/kidsgardening.html

Gardening with Kids
March/April 2003
Jan Decker, Junior Gardeners' Club Coordinator

    It doesn't matter what age we are, the sight of a butterfly always
causes us to pause for a moment and watch their graceful beauty. Now you
can increase that enjoyment by rearing your own butterflies! All it
takes is a Discovery Kit from Johnson's and you'll be able to watch up
close as the caterpillar matures, changes into a chrysalid, and finally
emerges as a beautiful Painted Lady Butterfly. It's so easy and
educational, too.

    The kit includes a three-foot high hanging mesh Butterfly Pavilion
habitat, a certificate to send for ten Painted Lady caterpillars with
food, poster, instructions and activity guide. It will take one to two
weeks to receive the larvae and about three weeks for the metamorphosis
from caterpillar to butterfly. You won't want to miss any part of this
process, so before sending for the larvae make sure you have nothing
scheduled (like a two-week vacation) that would interrupt the project.
You can order anytime of the year. If it's cold outside when the
butterflies emerge, just provide sugar water inside the pavilion during
their life span, usually about two weeks. If it's warm enough outside
(above 55 degrees) the butterflies can be released outdoors.

    To prolong the butterfly's stay outside and attract others, you will
need to provide food and shelter for them. Incorporate a butterfly
garden into your landscape or if you're short on space, a window box or
other container will work. With the right combination of plants,
providing nectar for adults and food for caterpillars, the butterflies
may choose to lay eggs in your garden. If you can find the eggs, collect
a few for your Butterfly Pavilion and observe the miracle of new life
all over again. Refer to page 98 of Johnson's 2003 Plant Guide for a
list of trees, shrubs, perennials and vines that attract butterflies
and, of course, our staff will be happy to help with your plant
selections.