Auckland Butterfly Garden

09/09/2026

A few key flowering species have seen the birds, bees and butterflies through the winter in my Auckland garden. However, if the flowers are not in full sun, the monarchs don't want to know

Winter nectar has been plentiful, but monarchs are a fussy bunch.

09/09/2026

The paper wasps are out and about. Most I've netted have been Asian paper wasps, but I caught a European paper wasp too. They need to be manually controlled to protect native insects, including moths and butterflies 🦋

27/08/2026

Two paper wasps in one day. It's either a bad take on a Crowded House song, or wasp hunting season is starting early this year.

Two paper wasps in one day. I declare wasp hunting season open!

06/08/2026

The cold weather is not stopping the monarchs in this Auckland butterfly garden. Eggs are still being laid. And I finally spot another tagged monarch in the garden after a 3 month gap.

Winter cold is only slowing the monarchs. I find new eggs days from our coldest weather yet this year.

25/07/2026

I am rubbish at raising red admirals, but a few made it!

25/07/2026

It's Moth Week! ,

23/07/2026

Cats having been killing wildlife in the butterfly garden. Will the new addition to the family help?

Cats present a risk to the birds and butterflies in the garden. Will the new dog keep them away?

14/06/2026

Addenbrooke Garden on the edge of Auckland is a private garden that opens to raise funds for charity. During the summer I visited and found a very special place with, to my delight, butterflies.

Addenbrooke Garden is a lovely rural garden at Botany with its fair share of summer butterflies.

12/06/2026

Late autumn flowers that keep nectar flowing for our butterflies 🌼🦋
May might thin out blooms, but there’s still plenty for our flying friends — and you can help by planting nectar-rich species.

May sees many flowers disappear from the garden. What nectar is available for our flying friends?

09/06/2026

An autumn visit to an urban oasis in Eden Terrace - the certified butterfly garden at Bright Street Community Garden, in Auckland.

A visit to Bright Street Community Garden uncovers an award-winning, relaxing certified butterfly garden