There's one thing that really makes it feel like summer, and that's the sight of butterflies.
However, unless you're very lucky, it's likely you don't have too many hanging around your garden in the UK. Luckily, there's one little Amazon purchase that can fix that - milkweed, also known as asclepias.
The Monarch butterflies have just begun their breeding season, so they're currently searching around for places to lay their eggs, notes House Beautiful.
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There's only one that'll do the trick: milkweed, otherwise called asclepias. It's the only plant that the caterpillars are able to feed on, and therefore, it's an absolutely essential addition to any garden that wants to aid the survival of these orange and black friends.
The butterflies will be currently searching the ground for milkweed leaves to lay their eggs on, so if you want to get in on a butterfly paradise, you'll want to grow one ASAP.
They lay their eggs on the leaves so that their babies have food the second they're born. Fully grown butterflies can feed on a ton of different native plants, but milkweed is the only way to attract Monarch babies as they really, really need them to live.
Milkweed can be planted in any sunny area in your garden that you're not going to mow down or that isn't sprayed with pesticides. It's pretty self-sufficient and doesn't need to be watered loads - it'll even survive in the winter by going dormant.
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Now, you'll have to be careful, because these plants also attract slugs and certain harmful aphids. You'll have to get your green fingers handy and be sure to dispatch any naughty pests ASAP before your other plants get harmed, but it shouldn't be too much trouble.
If you're looking to turn your garden into a butterfly haven this spring/summer, Amazon is the one to ensure you do it on the cheap at just £3.50.
According to House Beautiful, milkweed is very low commitment, as long as we get enough sun this summer! Here's hoping. You can buy milkweed here to get your paradise going the next time you get a spare minute. Plus, the plants are pretty! Win win.