If you build it, they will come… So we built it, and the butterflies came…
Have you been to the Library lately? Part of the grounds have
been transformed into gardens, but not just everyday gardens – Butterfly Gardens. The butterflies are thrilled, especially the Monarch Butterflies. Monarch Butterflies are considered the “king” of butterflies, thus their name Monarch and they are known for the incredible mass migration that brings millions of them to North America. These monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a massive journey—up to 3,000 miles.
Unfortunately, there is great concern about the eastern population of monarchs as they are threatened by reduced acreage of milkweed plants, as well as other factors. The National Wildlife Foundation estimates the world`s monarch butterfly population has dropped from close to a billion 15 years ago to about 50 million now; more than a 90% drop for a species vital to our food supply.
The recently completed gardens at the library me e ts all the requirements and thus have been certified as a Monarch Way Station. We set out to make this specialty garden using plants that butterflies both love and re q uire , in order to thrive – such as milkweed. But we also wanted to use plants native to KY. A very special thanks to Alicia Bosela / Ironweed Nursery for providing us with all the native plants in the gardens.
The Adair County Garden Club and the Adair County Public library will have a dedication ceremony June 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm CST. Everyone is invited. These gardens are something anyone in the community can enjoy, young and old. Please come join us.
Donna Jones, President Adair County Garden Club