If there ever were a bug that is actually pretty, it could just be the dragonfly. Even bug haters seem to admire this garden insect—it’s as popular in the garden as it is outside of it, donning barrettes, tattoos and jewelry. In addition to its good looks, dragonflies can be a great benefit to your garden.

The reason we all like dragonflies so much must have something to do with their colors. Butterflies are certainly beautiful and colorful, but there’s something unique about the dragonfly’s long body and iridescent wings. Their delicate shape is feminine, like fairies (even male dragonflies!) and the way they fly like tiny natural helicopters is pretty cool too.

The best way to get dragonflies to visit your garden is to add water. A fountain or water garden can make an attractive accent to the yard as well as a place for dragonflies to hang out. The female insects generally stay closest to their home pond, but the males often wander out and will pass by your water feature if you build it.

If you want dragonflies to actually live on the premises, a pond is the best option. A dragonfly pond doesn’t need to be very deep. Two feet deep in the middle and shallow on the shores is sufficient. Dragonflies lay their eggs in the water, and the babies, or nymphs, often hide from predators underwater. Water also attracts other insects that dragonflies like to eat.