The Butterfly House at Blenheim Palace has been given a fresh look for 2024.
The renovation is aimed at enhancing visitor accessibility and providing a superior habitat for the resident butterflies.
Head gardener, Andy Mills, and senior gardener, Chris Horne, who has cared for the Butterfly House for over a decade, have introduced a variety of new springtime flowers.
Amaryllis and fritillaries now share the scene with exotic flora from Africa, Madeira and South America.
Modifications include the covering over the central pond to facilitate easier visitor access.
Moreover, the butterflies' diets have been enriched with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and papaya to reflect their natural diets better.
The previous year saw the incorporation of modern technology to regulate temperature, track humidity and observe butterfly hatching rates.
In 2023, the Butterfly House welcomed 38 new tropical butterfly species to its vibrant residents.
Among the new residents are species such as the Red Lacewing, Emerald Peacock and the striking Blue Wave.
Blenheim Palace has been the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
It is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.
Tickets for Blenheim Palace and the Butterfly House can be purchased at www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/what-to-do/butterfly-house.html.
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