Where Are All The Butterfiles?

[chaptazbru2]

There are two buddleia bushes in full bloom in my neighbourhood and not once since they bloomed have I seen any butterflies on them, and only one bee ! When I walk my dog in the local park, I hardly see any either and in fact in one hour today, I saw only one. I've noticed that every summer they are becoming more and more scarce and it seems even worse this year. I can't believe there are no butterflies on the flowering buddleias. Anyone else noticed the lack of butterflies ?

[woofgang]

My buddleia is only just flowering now, but yes, I have seen less butterflies this year. Loads of bees of all kinds. I find that bees and butterflies are attracted by water as much as by flowers. I keep shallow birdbaths full for them.

[Old_Geezer]

I've noticed a fair few butterflies, more than I usually do.

[chaptazbru2]

My buddleia is only just starting to bloom now as well, goodness knows if it will attract many butterflies though, it didn't last year. I saw more bees on it last year than butterflies. I always have water out woof and there's a big dish of it under the buddleia.

[chaptazbru2]

That's good OG.

[chaptazbru2]

Anybody else got any views, or have you seen a lot of butterflies in your area ?

[Chipchopper]

So far, I've seen less than usual, but then again I've only have one flower spike open on my buddleia at the moment.

[craft1948]

I must admit I've not seen any this year and they normally gather around my lavender hedge...

[Tilly2]

I haven't noticed a dearth of butterflies. There seem to be a lot around in the morning when we go for a walk. There are lots of bees around in my garden but I have lots of pollinator friendly flowers.

[chaptazbru2]

Mixed responses. I'm happy to hear that some of you are seeing a lot of them, but like me, others aren't. I hope when my buddleia bush blooms (probably in a week or so), I see more than I have so far. I have a small lavender bush, but so far it's not attracted anything.

I'm a big fan of butterflies ...

[jourdain2]

I've seen fewer than I would have expected - perhaps it is the late, cold Spring? We walked in Dalby Forest yesterday, however, and it was sunny and there were lots of butterflies there - not as many as we used to see on our walks in France at this time of year. :)

[ubasses]

Went out to tidy the front garden this afternoon and could not believe the number flying around and in the lavender. it was as if they were putting on a display for me. Also seen loads when we go out walking each week, some unusual colours not noticed before as well.

[DaisyNonna]

None here

[tonyav]

I have only seen a few, maybe it's regional.

[Quoi]

I happened to take note today that there seemed to be small tortoise shell butterflies everywhere.
Not seen any other varieties and the buddlea is a long way from flowering

[rsvp]

Lots of different butterflies in my garden and out on our walks with the dog. lots of water around too -

[chaptazbru2]

So very glad to read that some of you are seeing lots of butterflies. I've still not see many, only one on a neighbour's buddleia and it's full of flowers. Hoping all this changes when mine blooms, but I remember that last year I didn't see many either. Could be regional tony.

[chikispirit]

I haven't seen any butterflies at all.

[chaptazbru2]

I'm even more worried than ever chikispirit, my buddleia is in bloom now and STILL no butterflies and just the odd bee.

[Robinia]

Not so many butterflies here in S. Derby either, not even many cabbage whites. However I've seen far more bees than I've had before, they've really enjoyed the flowers this year....and no wasps....yet!