BGOSS collector’s post card #7 is now available at our Nature Lending Library and at our pod posts. This post card shows the beauty of Butterfly flower in full bloom. It is a native milkweed plant that attracts a variety of pollinating insects. This is a beautiful plant to have in your garden and it is a food source for monarch caterpillars. You can use the post card to send a message to a friend, use it as a bookmark, or place it on your fridge door.
Ontario Insects, the news journal of the Toronto Entomological Association published an article in its recent edition (Vol. 24 #2) entitled, ‘Monarch Rescue: A Good Idea?’ Author, Alan MacNaughton talks about a variety of ethical issues dealing with rearing Monarchs. He concludes his article by asking:
“What else can we do? The key message is habitat, habit, habitat – we need more. This can be through our personal efforts in our gardens – plant milkweed. Or we can encourage the planting of milkweed in public spaces, as Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores (led by TEA members Kerry Jarvis and Melitta Smole) have done – see butterflygardensofss.ca”
It is nice to see that the good work we are doing in Saugeen Shores is being recognized outside of our area. Together we are making a difference!
Our marvelous milkweed give-away was a great success. Three milkweed species, common, swamp and butterfly flower were shared with the community. A special thanks to Grange Hollow Gardens & Nursery, our official plant supplier and to Bruce Power, our partner sponsor.
Port Elgin United Church is the first group in 2018 to become a new “Friends of Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores (BGOSS).” The “Friends of BGOSS” is a program where church groups, schools and homeowners can be part of a community wide effort to promote native gardening to attract Monarchs and other pollinators. Melitta Smole, executive of BGOSS says, “We have two homeowners, Chantry Island and Port Elgin United Church who want to make a difference in our community by planting native plants.”
Reverend Bonnie Holliday, Sarah and Jordyn Earnshaw hold the BGOSS pod sign for their newly established butterfly garden with Patti Byers and Julie Earnshaw.
The Pods at Perkins Park are now ready for a long deserved rest as Pod Squad Ambassadors; Shelley, Steven, Melitta, Kerry and our latest ambassador, Marvin Doran, moved plants and shrubs around and fenced in the shrubs for protection from the local rabbits. BGOSS was also assisted by nearby neighbour Tom. Pictured here is new Pod Squad Ambassador, Marvin Doran. Welcome to the BGOSS team Marvin.
Protecting Monarchs by planting roadside milkweed does have its challenges. This article deals with some of the issues. Thanks to BJ Martin in K-W for bringing this to our attention.
Clicking the link or image will initiate a download of the article.
Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores presented to a sold out audience of 275 people on November 9 in Owen Sound to Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learning. The presentation was part of a 7 week lecture series on ‘Sustainability and Tourism Along Our Shores.’ Kerry Jarvis’ topic was “Making A Difference: One Plant at a Time.” Kerry’s presentation shared stories, images, testimonials and videos on the importance of planting native plants, planting awareness and how the Pod Squad Ambassadors are making a difference in Saugeen Shores.
Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores is pleased to be part of the Fairy Lake revitalization project. Our new Pod is located at Matheson Park in Southampton. Check out the lead story from the Saugeen Shores Hub.
Our latest how to article in the Shoreline Beacon newspaper shares lots of great information on how to plant a butterfly garden and provides suggestions on the best native plants and milkweeds to use.
Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores has partnered with the Shoreline Beacon newspaper to showcase a series of articles dealing with Monarchs, native planting, migration, and Monarch tagging. Our second article deals with the Monarchs overwintering sites in Mexico.
