Last year my boys asked for and received an indoor butterfly garden for Christmas. We sent in the coupon for caterpillars and received them within weeks. Watching the caterpillars grow, transform into chrysalis’ and emerge as these beautiful painted lady butterflies was so fun and amazing.
Sometimes it really seemed as though the caterpillars were growing right before our eyes. In a twenty-four hour period the caterpillars just about doubled in size. Each morning, we were surprised and delighted by how much they had grown.
After the butterflies emerged from their chrysalis’, they lived in the indoor garden for a few days and feasted on orange slices and flowers. Eventually the boys released them into our backyard, letting them rest carefully on their pointer fingers as they transferred them to a flowering branch. For the rest of spring, anytime a painted lady landed on one of our outdoor plants, the boys wondered if that was one of their butterflies. It was really sweet.
When I was in kindergarten, my class had silkworms that spun cocoons and came out as moths. I enjoyed that. It is really magical to witness the life cycle of something so small. Nature is so lovely. . .which is why I am writing to share the experience and encouraging you to order your own indoor butterfly pavilion. It doesn’t matter if you have kids or don’t–this will be a joyful endeavor regardless! The pavilion is $24.99 on the Insect Lore website. This comes with everything you need to raise your butterflies, including a coupon for 3 to 5 caterpillars. The best part is that these pavilions can be used over and over again. Another round of caterpillars can be ordered for $14.99. Try it out for yourself!
I adore butterflies, and was thinking just the other day that I anxiously await a yard of my own where I can plant a butterfly garden. Thanks for sharing what you and your boys did — it made me smile!
My neighbor has many native plants in her yard that attract butterflies. Last year, just as the caterpillars were getting ready to do their butterfly thing, she collected two in a peanut butter jar “habitat” and brought them to us. We watched in amazement each day as they changed and evolved. Sometimes I would worry that something had gone wrong — did they have enough air, was it too hot, too cold? When they finally magically emerged it was so awe inspiring. In addition to bringing me joy, it reminded me to have faith. I agree, it is a must see!
Jen, thank you for your comment! I remember you having those caterpillars and what a special experience it was for your family. Thank you for sharing it here!
Hi Megan, don’t wait for a yard, you can have them now! Go for it!