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Bird and Butterfly Garden
The bird and butterfly garden was established in 1995 to promote the conservation of birds & butterflies, to provide environmental and horticultural education and to foster an appreciation of nature. The garden offers food, water, protective cover and a sheltered place for reproduction to a variety of creatures. The typical suburban yard with closely mowed lawns, tightly clipped shrubs and deadheaded flowers looks like a barren desert to a bird or butterfly. The garden at Fairview Farm is full of brightly colored, nectar producing flowers to attract butterflies along with host plants for their larvae. A small pond provides a source of water (and a great home for frogs and toads!) and hummingbird feeders are full from late April until September.Our Bird and Butterfly Garden began with the clearing and fencing of the area approximately 80’ x 48’. Keep in mind that any size area is beneficial to wildlife, including gardening in containers. We opted to use raised beds, to compensate for the poor soils on our property. Our garden in composed of both host and nectar plants. Host plants are those that butterflies and moths lay their eggs on and that serve as a food source for larvae. Nectar plants are those with showy flowers meant for attracting adult butterflies and moths, as well as a variety of insects and birds. There are perennial plants and shrubs in the garden, as well as annuals which are planted each May. During the growing season, environmentally safe methods for controlling pests and weeds are utilized in maintaining the garden as insecticides and herbicides threaten the welfare of birds and butterflies. Perennials and shrubs are cut back long after the growing season so that nourishing berries and seeds remain for fall and wintering birds.
There is a butterfly information kiosk in the garden to help visitors with identification. URWA published an educational pamphlet on Bird and Butterfly Gardening that includes a list of plant materials including perennials, annuals, vines and shrubs to attract birds and butterflies. This is available at no cost to anyone interested in this type of gardening.
The garden has been a tremendous success and an important component of URWA’s Natural Science Education program. It is an outdoor classroom for hundreds of children, wildlife enthusiasts and citizen groups. The garden is a model for good stewardship and conservation practices and provides a quiet place for visitors to enjoy the solace and beauty within its borders.
NOTE: Our Bird and Butterfly Garden is a manicured area, meant for the homeowner who prefers this look. Certainly, the neatness of the garden makes no difference in the eyes of a bird, butterfly or insect. If you are interested in a more natural planting, see the information on our Native Wildflower Meadow or Native Grass Meadow.
Click on the following link to learn more about attracting Butterflies and Birds to your garden: Plant list to attract Butterflies and Birds
Click on the following links to learn more about Fairview Farms Gardens:
Bird and Butterfly GardenNative Shrub Border
Native Wildflower Meadow
Native Warm-Season Grass Meadow
Native Tree and Shrub List
