Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes with Mexican Sunflower in Acorn Landscapes Test Garden St. Louis Missouri

Permaculture is a system of sustainable agriculture and land use that seeks to mimic the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems. It is based on the principles of maximizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and working with rather than against nature.

Permaculture focuses on creating self-sustaining systems that require minimal input from humans and that have a low impact on the environment. This can be achieved through a variety of practices, including:

• Planting a diverse range of crops and animals that can support each other and create a balanced ecosystem
• Using natural fertilizers and pest control methods
• Implementing water catchment and conservation techniques
• Building with natural, locally-sourced materials
• Incorporating elements such as edible forests and guilds (communities of plants and animals that support each other)

Permaculture can be applied to a wide range of settings, including small backyard gardens, large-scale farms, and even urban environments. It can be used to grow food, create habitat for wildlife, and improve the overall sustainability of a given area.

Overall, permaculture is a holistic approach to land use that seeks to create self-sustaining systems that are in harmony with the natural environment. It is a valuable tool for creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly agricultural and land-use practices.

Painted Lady Butterfly on New England Aster in butterfly garden designed by Landscape Architect Acorn Landscapes in St. Louis MO

Butterflies are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden, and there are several strategies you can use to encourage them to visit. Here are a few ideas:

1. Plant native flowering plants: Butterflies are attracted to a wide range of flowering plants, but they are especially drawn to native species. Planting native flowering plants such as milkweeds, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans can help to attract butterflies to your garden.
   

   Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele on zinnia in Manchester Mo – Acorn Landscape Architecture Butterfly Garden

2. Provide food for caterpillars: In addition to nectar from flowers, butterflies also need food for their caterpillars. Planting host plants, such as milkweeds for monarch butterflies or parsley for black swallowtails, can help to provide a food source for caterpillars and encourage butterflies to lay their eggs in your garden.
   

   Backyard landscape design by landscape architect Acorn Landscapes in St. Louis Missouri that includes hillside meadow garden and shade garden for wildlife habitat

3. Provide water: Butterflies need water to drink, and they are attracted to shallow, muddy puddles. Creating a butterfly puddling area by providing a shallow dish or tray filled with mud and water can help to attract butterflies to your garden.
   

   Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes with Mexican Sunflower in Acorn Landscapes Test Garden St. Louis Missouri

4. Create a butterfly habitat: Providing shelter and a place for butterflies to rest is important. Planting native shrubs and trees or installing a butterfly house can provide the necessary shelter and habitat for butterflies.
   

   A diverse mix of flowering plants used in place of traditional turf grass. Includes white clover, native bird’sfoot violet, common violet and wild strawberry.

5. Use chemical-free pesticides: Many pesticides can be harmful to butterflies, so it is important to use chemical-free alternatives if possible. Using natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic pest repellents, can help to protect butterflies and other pollinators.
   

   Buckeye Butterfly on Milkweed Flowers in Butterfly Garden Designed by Landscape Architect Mary Deweese from Acorn Landscapes in St. Louis MO

Overall, by providing food, water, shelter, and habitat, you can create a butterfly-friendly garden and encourage these beautiful insects to visit.