On a recent garden tour I was reminded about the incredible journey of a Butterfly. The Monarch Butterfly undertakes a long journey to avoid snowy winters. Over thousands of kilometres and many generations, the Monarch returns in spring only to start the journey again the following autumn.

Australia is home to nearly 400 species of Butterflies and the majority of these are from the tropical areas and a Butterfly friendly garden can be created across the country. Many of the southern Butterflies are not as large and showy as their northern counterparts, but are still as colourful.

Summer flowering perennials and annuals such as salvias, ageratums, sunflowers and alyssum are a perfect food source for attracting Butterflies.