Butterflies are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Having them present in a garden seems to bring movement within. Adding butterflies to any garden is a very simple process.

A sunny area is a sure way to attract these beautiful creatures. April and May are a great time of year to begin a butterfly garden. The soil is warm enough in these spring months for annual seeds. Mexican sunflower and zinnia are a few to start with. Just keep in mind when planting, brightly colored flowers attract butterflies.

A little protection provided for butterflies is a great way to get out of stormy or windy weather. Butterflies tend to not hold up well in these types of weather. A mix of shrubbery will be a great shelter.

Butterflies like to sun since they are cold-blooded. Adding stepping stones to a garden provides a great place for them to bask and warm quickly. Water is also a must for a butterfly garden. If you see butterflies in nature, it is usually near puddles.

A key ingredient to remember for a butterfly garden is food. For a butterfly garden to be successful, food must be offered for each state. Butterflies begin as eggs, then they become caterpillars and finally becoming the colorful, winged creatures that are sought after. Gardeners must offer a variety of plants because each life stage requires different things. The juvenile stage wouldn't eat the same food as an adult insect. A butterfly watcher's guide is a great way to find a listing of plant food for caterpillars as well as adults. This means in order to have butterflies, a gardener must put up with caterpillars first.

These are just a few tips and you will be on your way to a colorful butterfly patch.