I have been "gardening for butterflies" for about 8 yrs now and have to say this is a very lean year for them. I love each and every species that visits my yard and actually have made a haven for many with the host and nectar plants I have planted. Although cabbage whites are the most mundane of the butterflies (in my opinion) I have often said how much I appreciate them. There have many times throughout the year that if it wasn't for them, I would see no butterflies at all. This has been one of those years...and I haven't even seen many of them either. I even planted cabbage amongst my flowers this year just for them as a host plant! I have large areas of milkweed and haven't seen my first Monarch. I have over 30 chrysalis' in cages that are BST's that I found on nursery dill plants, but have only found 4 BST eggs on fennel I planted in the yard. Funny, I looked up info on this a few days ago wondering if I was just in a bad spot this year for some reason. What I found out was that last year was quite a good year and I guess that made my expectations a little higher. Hang in there...they will come! Next year try planting a few plants of dill, parsley and fennel to attract the Black Swallowtails...they have been the most consistent for me and we are in the same general zone.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:507895}}

Thanks! I'll just be patient and enjoy my little white butterflies. That's a good idea about planting some herbs for them next year.

Do you just keep an eye out for eggs when you're out and about? I just ordered a butterfly kit for my daughter which has a cage and a larvae coupon for painted lady butterflies.