Community Lens for Sept. 15

Mike Mosley of Suwanee took this photo of a butterfly on a potted plant in his backyard. To attract butterflies to your yard, even if it’s a small space, HGTV suggests you choose a sunny area but situate plants near a wall to block wind and provide the insects with shelter if needed. Butterflies aren’t able to drink from ponds or bird baths – they prefer shallow sources of water like puddles. So create your garden in an area where water collects after it rains, or create your own puddles around the garden to give your winged friends a place to sip. Butterflies love nectar-producing plants like sweetpea and marigold. Choose a diverse range of plants to attract different species, and be sure to include a few taller plants to provide additional protection from strong breezes.