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Hello Great Gardener,
We would like to the thank the Division Of Wildlife for helping us with our Butterfly Release this past Saturday. We look forward to working with them again in the future. If you missed the butterfly release, we are already making plans for next year.
Included in this e-newsletter is Butterfly Gardening, larval plants for butterflies and links to the Division of Wildlife.
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As always, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, hit reply. I would love to hear from you. Have a great-gardening day.
Sincerely,
Holly
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A successful butterfly garden is one that contains all components that butterflies need for food, light, shelter, and breeding. Although you don’t have to have a huge garden to catch the attention of passing butterflies, if you provide a hospitable environment you’ll increase your chances greatly. It should be stable and predictable so that over time, the needs of the butterflies are met consistently. A natural setting for butterflies is both attractive and essential to their well-being. Understanding the nature of butterflies and having the knowledge of their life stages will help you plan your garden.
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Both nectar and larval plants should be supplied for food
Nectar plants will support the adult butterfly. A variety of flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals and herbs will ensure plenty of blooms to last throughout the season. The larval plants will sustain the actively growing caterpillars. Caterpillars need to munch on the foliage, so expect to see a few ”tattered” leaves. Many caterpillars have specific tastes, so those plants that suit their fancy can be tucked away in the back corner of the garden, where they may not be as noticeable. Don’t worry about being overrun with caterpillars. Although an adult butterfly may lay hundreds of eggs, only a few usually survive to adulthood. By offering food for both stages of the butterfly’s life, you’ll have a better chance of keeping them around. As a rule, pesticides and herbicides should never be used in or near a butterfly garden.
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Ensure that your garden gets plenty of sunshine
Butterflies are cold-blooded, and usually, do not fly until the temperature is at least 60 degrees. You’ll want to ensure that your garden gets plenty of sunshine, as butterflies only fly well when their wings are warm and dry. Although butterflies will rest and hibernate in wooded areas (in suburbia this would include the undersides of well-camouflaged shrubs), add a flat rocky area in the sun, which will make a good resting spot where they can prepare for a day of flight and feeding.
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Incorporate plants for resting
Butterflies need a place to rest and hibernate. Trees and shrubs will provide necessary shelter from predators and give your butterflies a place to relax on a busy day of flying in the sweltering sun. Butterflies will also roost during cold, cloudy, or rainy weather. If your garden happens to be in a fairly windy spot, dense shrubs also offer windbreak protection. The wind can wreak havoc on the delicate wings of the butterfly.
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Enjoy your butterfly oasis
Butterfly gardens are a great enjoyment, whether it is by snapping beautiful photos or sharing your gardens with friends and family. You are also doing your part in conserving the environment. Butterflies are important plant pollinators, and establishing or maintaining their habitat preserves a piece of the ecological system. Remember that your butterfly garden can be as small as a window box, or as large as a field of wildflowers. Establishing a large butterfly area may take more than one season. Be patient! You will be rewarded for your efforts!
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Larval Plants (Host) are plants that caterpillars use for their food source. Because tiny caterpillars cannot travel far to find their food, the female butterfly locates and lays her eggs on only the type of plant that the caterpillar can use as food. Most species of caterpillars are particular about the kind of plants they can eat. If the egg is not placed on the right plant, the caterpillar hatching from that egg will not survive.
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Division Of Wildlife Links
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Parking Lot Sale!
Items In Parking Lot Are Marked Up To
75% Off
(Regular Prices)
No Further Discounts
No Guarantees - No Returns On Parking Lot Items
Limited Time Only!
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Stand Your Ground And Be Heard
Saturday, September 8th
Time: 10:00 am
Cost: $25 (Single Person)
2 People For $25
3 People For $25
4 People For $25
5 People For $30
Click Here To Register
& Pay
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Ladies' Night Out
Thursday, September 20th
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: $5 per person
Tickets Go On Sale
August 8th Online!
Benefitting Hospice Of Central Ohio
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Ladies' Night Out Combo Planter
Thursday, September 10th
Time: $6:00 pm
Cost: $29.99 + tax
(Portion Of Proceeds Benefit Hospice Of Central Ohio)
Click Here To Register
& Pay
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Ladies Night Out Succulent Planter
Thursday, September 20th
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $14.99 + tax
(Portion Of Proceeds Benefit Hospice Of Central Ohio)
Click Here To Register
& Pay
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Little Sprouts:
Paint Drip Clay Pot Planter
Sunday, September 23rd
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cost: $5 per child + tax
Click Here To Register
& Pay
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