Did you know that Grand Rapids Community College has a butterfly garden? It is the L shaped garden located in front of the Calkins Science Center on Bostwick Avenue.
The butterfly garden is planned, planted and maintained by Dr. Matt Douglas and GRCC botany students. One of Dr. Douglas’ Ph.D’s is in entomology (the study of insects), and his specialty is monarch butterflies! The garden is in the hands of experts.
A Palette for Pollinators
The garden boasts a variety of colors during the growing season with different flowers blooming at different times. Some of the plants that you will see include: Cosmos, Hibiscus, Salvia, Helianthus, Zinnias, Monarda, Black Eyed Susan, Evening Primrose, Iris, Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) and Mexican Sunflowers.
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) is one of the most important (even though not a native) because it blooms from late spring to late fall and attracts many different species of butterflies. Daisies and goldenrods are also pollinator favorites, as are many species of mint. Monarda, Lantana, and Verbena also attract many different pollinators.
Walk By and See!
When you are out and about, stroll past the Butterfly Garden to see what’s in bloom and what’s coming up next! The garden changes throughout the seasons. Who knows, maybe timing will be such that you’ll get to see a butterfly or two sipping on some nectar in the garden.
How to Help the Butterflies
Plant a garden for them! Plant it anywhere! In the ground or in a container, they aren’t picky.
Butterfly gardens are important as loss of habitat, pesticide use and climate change have played a role in the decline of the butterfly population.
Butterflies like:
- A sunny location, sheltered from the wind.
- Bright colors and fragrances.
- Native plants are great and so are annuals and perennial plants (no invasive species please). Annuals provide nectar all summer and perennial plants while they bloom.
- Don’t forget the babies! Make the garden inviting for caterpillars too! They eat plants so milkweed, pipevine and violas can be added.
Fun Facts
- Did you know butterflies like purple and yellow and different colors appeal to different pollinators? Therefore, a diverse garden equals a healthy ecosystem.
- While mums come in a variety of colors that would appeal to pollinators, they have no nectar.