Butterfly Gardening in Southern California

Brian V. Brown and Julian P. Donahue

Brian V. Brown and Julian P. Donahue’s “Butterfly Gardening in Southern California” is a commendable, if at times uneven, attempt to translate the art of lepidoptera appreciation into a practical gardening endeavor. It serves as a useful starting point for those seeking to attract butterflies to their landscapes, but it also exhibits certain shortcomings that prevent it from achieving its full potential.

The book’s strength lies in its regional specificity. Brown and Donahue rightly emphasize the importance of tailoring plant selections and gardening practices to the unique climate and flora of Southern California. They provide a valuable list of native and adapted plants that serve as larval hosts and nectar sources, a crucial consideration for attracting and sustaining local butterfly populations.

The species accounts, which form the core of the book, are generally informative. The authors provide descriptions of common Southern California butterflies, highlighting their life cycles, habitat preferences, and larval host plants. The inclusion of clear photographs aids in identification, though the quality and composition of these images vary.

However, the book’s approach to gardening practices is somewhat superficial. While Brown and Donahue advocate for pesticide-free gardening and the provision of water sources, they fail to delve into the intricacies of soil preparation, mulching, and other essential gardening techniques. This oversight diminishes the book’s value as a comprehensive guide for novice gardeners.

Furthermore, the book’s focus on aesthetics occasionally overshadows its ecological considerations. While the authors emphasize the importance of attracting butterflies, they often neglect the broader context of creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. The discussion of native plant communities and their roles in supporting other wildlife is limited, reducing the book’s value as a tool for ecological landscaping.

The book’s organization also presents some challenges. While the species accounts are grouped logically, the absence of a comprehensive index can make it difficult to locate specific information quickly. This is a significant drawback for a field guide, where rapid access to information is often crucial.

The book’s treatment of larval host plants is commendable, but it could have been more comprehensive. While Brown and Donahue provide a good overview of common host plants, they fail to address the specific needs of all butterfly species found in Southern California. This omission may limit the book’s effectiveness in attracting a diverse range of butterflies.

In conclusion, “Butterfly Gardening in Southern California” is a serviceable introduction to the art of attracting butterflies to the garden. Its regional focus and informative species accounts are valuable assets. However, its superficial treatment of gardening practices, limited ecological considerations, and organizational challenges prevent it from achieving its full potential. While it may serve as a useful starting point for novice enthusiasts, more experienced gardeners and ecologists will likely find it lacking in depth and nuance.