Flowers are beautiful, to be sure – but did you know that they can also enhance our environment in many ways? From attracting butterflies, to helping honeybees, to keeping pesky insects away from your guests – these amazing plants can serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. This summer, take a look at some of the natural benefits of surrounding yourself with flowers. Curran’s Flowers is happy to provide you with assistance in creating butterfly and bee gardens that you will love!
Why Do I Want Bees? Honeybees are in a state of alarming decline around the world. Because they are critical to our ecosystem and important in keeping our food supply healthy, anything that we can do as individuals to help them to thrive is encouraged. And don’t worry, experts assure you that honeybees pose very little threat when they are collecting nectar from flowers; in fact, if you do not bother them at all, they will ignore you completely.
Butterflies and bees enjoy many of the same flowers and plants so you can create a single oasis that will benefit them both! Although some gardens are quite extravagant, you really only need bright, nectar-filled flowers to attract them. Some of the flowers that you can be sure will give them a warm welcome are sunflowers, asters, and goldenrod. For even more success, plant clover, butterfly bushes, geraniums, milkweed, zinnias, and hyacinth.
Here’s a Tip: Although many butterflies are attracted to any flower, they do have their favorites! With a little research you can cover your backyard patio with flowers that attract the butterflies you love to see – and a lot more of them! Pat attention to which flowers are native to your area, and enjoy the show.
You may be surprised to learn that some of our favorite flowers can also be used as natural plant repellents. Chrysanthemums ward off roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, and spider mites! Marigolds repel aphids and mosquitoes, and the beautiful allium will fight off pests that plague vegetable gardens. Known as nature’s pesticide, petunias also stand guard in vegetable gardens – you can plant them, or keep them in hanging pots. 
Got the Thyme? If you are looking for even more insect protection, plant an herb garden around your outdoor space! Lavender, mint, rosemary, basil, bay leaves, chives, dill – they all prove unsavory to a wide range of pesky insects. Lemongrass is a mosquito repellent – in fact, the oil in lemongrass is what is used to make citronella candles.
When planning an outdoor space for summer entertaining, don’t forget the flowers! Not only are they beautiful, but they can make your world a better place. Trust the plant and floral experts at Curran’s Flowers to help you choose just the right varieties for your needs.
