To link with the Butterfly Conservation’s ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’ Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre is offering advice on plants that appeal to the insects from May 18 until 26.
Andrew Pitman, Plant Manager of the award-winning, independent family-run garden centre at Monkton Heathfield in Taunton, explained: “Three-quarters of British butterflies are in decline and the 56 species currently in Britain and Ireland are under threat from environmental change. We thought we would get involved with the Butterfly Conservation’s ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’ and help educate our visitors on the best plants to have to attract the insects.
“Butterflies and moths are very important to gardeners because as they feed on flower nectar they transfer pollen on their bodies and legs from one plant to another.”
The garden centre’s staff will be on-hand throughout the week to answer any questions people may have and will be able to teach them about plants, such as buddleia davidii, which is known as the ‘Butterfly Bush’, that will help attract butterflies to their gardens.
There will also be displays of butterfly-friendly plants.
The Butterfly Conservation was formed by a small group of dedicated naturalists in 1968 following the decline of butterflies.
It now aims to conserve threatened butterflies and moths in the UK. It also promoted the scientific studies of butterflies, moths, and methods needed to conserve their habitats as well as safeguarding important sites and landscapes for the insects.
Andrew added: “We think it is extremely important for gardeners to do their bit when it comes to the conservation of butterflies so we hope lots of people come along to learn more.”
Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre will be offering advice on butterflies from Sunday, May 18 until Monday, May 26 to tie in with the Butterfly Conservation’s ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’.
For more information, please call the garden centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 41238
