A beautiful late spring day provided the perfect setting for the recent Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park class on attracting pollinators to our gardens. The class was taught by Master Gardener Sonya Moore.
Mrs. Moore’s love of butterflies has led her to become an expert on cultivating them for the enhancement of the garden. She began with colorful posters to illustrate the various butterfly stages and host plants. She included data on more than 100 butterfly species native to Alabama.
After discussing the types of butterflies, she provided information about the various host plants used by specific butterflies and instructed participants on how to select and grow them. As part of the class, Mrs. Moore carried caterpillars to class members. This activity provided hands-on experience and delighted participants.
Probably the highlight of the day was the butterfly release. Attendees had the opportunity to release butterflies into the garden. They were delighted when the butterflies lit on their hands before flying away into the several pollinator gardens throughout the Montgomery Botanical Gardens.
On July 13, Master Gardener Billie Crawford will conduct a class on Building Birdhouses and Feeding Birds. Due to the heat, the class will begin at 9:00 AM. The class is free and open to the public. Seating is provided, but participants may wish to bring folding chairs. Water will be provided. There will be no class during the month of August.
