Text by Holly McAlister

"Tucked away in the hills of Kentucky, there is a breeding farm, not for thoroughbred horses, but [for] butterflies." ~ Victoria Warner

Victoria Warner has always loved nature, receiving her first book on butterflies from her mother when she was only six years old. So, years later, when a friend mentioned an article she had read about a butterfly farm in California, it was only fitting to merge her existing work of raising flowers with this newfound opportunity to raise butterflies.

Nectar Hill Butterfly Farm is located just outside of Louisville, where Victoria spends her days breeding some of the most beautiful butterflies around. From the beautiful crimson winged Red Admiral to the black tipped Monarch, Nectar Hill's butter- fly variety is simply stunning. Beginning its third season, the farm currently ships six species nationwide, with many more species available in Kentucky, making it easy to find a species that works beautifully with your wedding's color scheme.

Releasing butterflies at a wedding has become a very popular event in the last several years. They can be released individually or en masse, from envelopes or from large boxes or display cages, a simply breathtaking sight as you release hundreds of butterflies into the air. The complimentary 3-D envelopes are available in many colors to coordinate with your wedding theme, and poems are offered upon request to add extra meaning to your butterfly release. Also popular are the organza display cages, which can be decorated to coordinate with your wedding theme and be set out for display until the time of the release. They make the perfect centerpiece for a garden wedding, or they can adorn a gift table or guestbook table.

Butterflies aren’t just for looks, though. One of the reasons that Victoria started Nectar Hill was to breed butterflies to replenish the environment, which has seen quite a drop in numbers due to increased population, disease, pollution, and other factors. Victoria is especially pleased to see that her endeavors not only provide a beautiful idea for a wedding or birthday, but also replenish the butterfly habitat, in Kentucky as well as around the country. A member of the International Butterfly Breeders Association, Nectar Hill is very particular about which butterflies are sent to which parts of the United States. There are rather strict shipping and breeding regulations to ensure that the butterflies are released into the appropriate environment for their safety and for the safety of the existing butterflies and plant life in each area.

Butterflies are symbols of change, as they go through four very distinct life changes. Because of this, butter- fly releases are used to symbolically celebrate new life together, to commemorate events, to release emotions; to honor our lost loved ones, and more. Nectar Hill has supplied butterflies for weddings, funerals, graduations, grand openings, retirements, and even a commercial. Victoria was once contacted by a filming company in need of several butter- flies for a commercial in Nashville, TN, that very day. She had them on a plane and in Nashville, ready to begin filming within a few short hours. A very therapeutic event, a butterfly release is a favorite method among counselors and psychiatrists for releasing fears, sorrows, and concerns. Nectar Hill has donated butterflies for organizations such as Home of the Innocents in Louisville, where young teens released their troubled pasts as each released a butterfly.

Prices for an individual butterfly release range from $75 to $100 a dozen; with an additional 10% discount for orders over $200 in butter- flies. Display cages can be either purchased or rented for a reasonable rate, with delivery included as well.

Timing is essential. Butterflies cannot fly in weather below 60degrees, so keep that in mind when planning your wedding date. Certain species do best in even warmer conditions or at certain times of the year, so have an open mind when selecting your butterflies.

Advance notice is also very important. Nectar Hill requests a six to eight week notice in order to have your selected species ready for your wedding day. Special instructions are included to insure your butterflies’ health before they are released.

Victoria has just completed a flight house at Nectar Hill, where small groups can come to see the butterflies in their different life stages, as well as the essential host and nectar plants essential to the appropriate habitat for the butterflies. Small tours can be arranged on a limited basis by contacting Nectar Hill.