My parents planted a new flower on their chain link fence – they now have hundreds of butterflies in their yard
A NATURE fan has shown off her parents’ flourishing flowers on their chain link fence.
The crop unexpectedly attracted hundreds of animals to their yard, prompting other gardeners to look into the flower.
TikToker Alex Danners (@alexinwonderland25) shared the surprise gardening tip in a viral video.
She explained that her parents had given the flower roots in their garden, hoping to see a few butterflies here and there.
“My parents planted passion flowers to have a few butterflies, but they now have hundreds,” she said.
Not only were the critters happy to drop in for a visit on their fence, but many took such a liking to the place that they wanted to be part of its transformation.
A quick pan around the garden exposed all the chrysalis hidden in plain sight around the yard.
“Hundreds of cocoons everywhere. Look at all these cocoons. They’ve even chosen the most crazy places,” Alex said.
Some of the butterflies picked lush greenery as their resting place, while others metamorphosed against the wall or even on the garden floor.
The passion flowers were so effective that her mother had to use a “caterpillar spoon” to gently pick up caterpillars.
The butterflies and caterpillars, Alex added, have even “taken over” her mother’s shoes.
Gardeners eagerly took notes to recreate the scenario in their own yards.
“Note to self. ‘Plant passion flower.’ Got it!” said one commenter.
“Coolest thing ever,” said another.
“Your parents are helping to save the planet,” said one impressed viewer.
One nature fan shared how she used a similar tactic to help pollinate flowers.
Flowers that attract butterflies
Gardening expert Todd MacLean explained in a Martha Stewart article that butterflies often seek food, shelter, or rest.
To find the best environment to meet their needs, the critters search for the scent of attractive flowers.
Butterflies love flowers such as:
“I’m trying to do this with monarchs! I’m growing milkweed from seeds, they used to be everywhere here,” she said.
“Now I’m in luck. I got to see one or two. It’s time to help the pollinators!”
Some were curious about the specific seeds her parents used.
Alex revealed that her mom had planted seeds from Eden Brother’s Blue Passion Vines.
More experienced gardeners, however, warned about the potential caveat of having a butterfly-infested field.
“I loved passion flowers, but the caterpillars would just keep eating and eating, and the butterflies kept laying until the plant was dead,” said one.
