When the sun sets and the bees and daytime butterflies become more discreet, the garden does not fall asleep. Another team quietly takes over!
Night butterflies, beetles, and other nocturnal insects continue their work while we sleep. Attracted by certain flowers, their scents, and their nectar, they also contribute to the pollination and biodiversity of our gardens.
Let's discover these visitors as discreet as they are useful.
Night butterflies, pollinators to discover
When we talk about pollinators, bees and colorful butterflies often come to mind. Yet, several night butterflies also carry pollen from one flower to another when they come to feed on nectar.
Some have a long proboscis that allows them to reach the nectar deep within the flowers. By moving from one plant to another, they thus contribute to their pollination.
And contrary to what their name suggests, not all night butterflies are active only when it is completely dark. Some species begin their activities at dusk.
Why are some flowers white?
In a night garden, colors take on a whole new importance.
White and very pale flowers are particularly visible when the light fades. Some species that partly depend on nocturnal visitors also have pronounced scents in the evening, allowing insects to locate them in ways other than sight.
This makes white and fragrant plants particularly interesting in an arrangement designed for the evening.
What plants to integrate into the garden?
To make your garden welcoming to a diversity of pollinators, focus primarily on a variety of plants and flowering periods.
For summer evenings, consider plants with pale or fragrant flowers such as:
- ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana);
- certain varieties of phlox;
- honeysuckle;
- evening primrose;
- alyssum;
- certain native plants adapted to your region.
The goal is not to transform your entire arrangement. A few well-chosen plants can already help diversify the available nectar sources.
Leave a small corner more natural
A perfectly cleaned garden is not always the most welcoming for biodiversity.
When possible, leave some areas a bit more natural. A diversity of plants, a few leaves on the ground, and less manicured spaces can provide food and shelter for a host of small organisms.
In return, your garden becomes a real small ecosystem to observe.
Reduce lighting at night
Outdoor lighting allows us to enjoy the garden after sunset, but too much artificial light can disrupt the behavior of some nocturnal insects.
Therefore, opt for soft lighting directed only where you really need it. Also, consider turning off the lights when they are no longer necessary.
This way, you can enjoy the ambiance of your garden while leaving room for its night visitors.
Limit the use of pesticides
Another important gesture is to reduce as much as possible the use of broad-spectrum pesticides.
These products can affect beneficial insects as well as those we seek to control. Before intervening, take the time to identify the insect present and opt for targeted methods when necessary.
The experts at your Passion Jardins garden center can help you choose a solution adapted to the situation.
A living garden, even while you sleep
Next time you enjoy a gentle summer evening, take a few minutes to observe what is happening around your flowers. You might be surprised to see all the activity that continues once the sun has set.
By diversifying the plants, leaving some areas more natural, and reducing unnecessary lighting, you contribute to creating a more welcoming environment for these precious visitors.
Because in the garden, life never really stops... even when we go to sleep. 🌙
Tips and advice
