Swarms of butterflies can transform a backyard patch into a magic garden. But there's no mystical tip for making them flutter around your house. You see, butterflies are attracted to flowers that have a heavy perfume because they contain more carbohydrates that are needed to fuel their high-intensity mating and flower-pollinating.

A few butterfly favorites:

• Milkweed
• Valerian
• Buddleia
• Red zinnias
• Orange marigolds
• Lavender.

Be sure to plant these flowers in a sunny spot that's protected from high wind. And don't use a light touch -- butterflies love abundant patches of nectar.

Another tip: Plan the flowers so you that have at least a few nectar-bearing blooms throughout the summer months, that will keep the butterflies from having to seek out new feeding grounds.