2024 Library Butterfly Garden Extension Project
/Submitted by Karen Reily
The Fernandina Beach Library approached the Bartram Garden Club to design and install an extension of the existing Butterfly Garden.
Karen Reily met with the Friends of the Library representative, Margaret Bellucci to discuss the project. It was decided that the BCG would be responsible for the design and installation while the FOL would pay for all materials and maintain the garden once established.
A schematic drawing was created by Karen and submitted for approval to FOL. It included a large trellis and planting plan. It was approved and we got to work.
> The area was cleared and prepped for planting by laying down cardboard for keeping the bed weed free with the help of Bob Reily.
> The trellis was installed with the help of Rich Reily and Dan Beekman.
> Plants were installed with the help of Bob Busler.
> A drip irrigation was installed for all areas of the Butterfly garden.
> Bamboo poles for pollinator perches, large rocks for sunning and a water station were added.
> Margaret Bellucci created signs for each plant with the common names so that the community could incorporate them into their own gardens.
The Library included the Butterfly Garden extension in their “Common Area” dedication ceremony in December. The FOL placed a plaque in the newly created butterfly garden to thank BGC for our continued partnership.
The project took place over the course of 2024 and was dedicated on December 24, 2024.
