Collector’s Post Card #8 showcases the third milkweed plant used by BGOSS in its pod — namely, Swamp Milkweed. This beautiful milkweed is attractive, grows in all sorts of conditions (sand, clay, wet, dry), and is a magnet for pollinators like the bumblebee. It would make a welcome addition to your gardens. Post cards are available for free at our BGOSS Pods.
Pod S-16 has now been officially certified at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Southampton. The butterfly garden adorns the front entrance of the church walkway. The garden was planted to help celebrate the church’s 160th year of service in our community. As the church endeavors to fulfill the 5 Marks of Mission these gardens were planted to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. Next time you are downtown Southampton, check out this beautiful garden located on the corner of High Street and Victoria Street.
BGOSS proudly announces the opening of a new Pod at the Saugeen First Nation Library and Cultural Centre in Southampton. Pod S-15 was planted by children from the libraries after school program. Noodin Root, librarian, created the concept of having a butterfly garden, trees and vegetable gardens for the community to enjoy.
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.
