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| The Freedom Butterfly Garden at Alpine Groves Park |
In the fall of 2005 The Garden Club of Switzerland accepted an invitation from St. Johns County Department of Recreation and Parks to design and install a butterfly garden in the new Alpine Groves Park which is rich in history. A grant request was submitted to the Principal Financial Group/National Garden Clubs, Inc. which honored our club with a generous Civic Development Grant “Let Freedom Ring.” The club felt that creation of a butterfly garden would be a good way to celebrate our freedom and honor those who serve our country and protect our freedom.
Garden club members selected a sunny site of approximately 2300 square feet, surrounded by small citrus trees, parking areas, and an open area for picnic use. Walking trails lead through the woods to the St. Johns River. Members developed a list of flowering plants, vines and small trees; many of which are native to North Florida and which also attract butterflies. A fence was built, a sprinkler system installed and raised beds were constructed. On April 1, 2006, club members gathered for “ground breaking” and planting of selected plants. By May 1st, the garden was complete with the addition of a bench, bird bath and an antique plow from the original orchards. A Power Point presentation, describing the steps in developing a community garden, was produced and can be loaned as needed.
Paver bricks were added on the walk way in the spring of 2007 which increases access for visitors, including those who are physically challenged. The purchase of bricks through the club is an opportunity for members and the community to honor family members and friends. All physically able club members are encouraged to devote some time for the maintenance of the garden on an on-going basis. Early morning hours are scheduled to avoid the midday heat.
The community has been most generous with contributions of materials and labor as well as their praise for the garden. Visitors have been excited about a quiet and restful place to relax while their children enjoy the butterflies. The garden was dedicated at 11:00 a.m. on April 21, 2007 as part of the 3rd Annual Bartram Bash. Live butterflies were released and the ceremony was closed with a ringing of the bell which is erected outside the garden.
Garden club members selected a sunny site of approximately 2300 square feet, surrounded by small citrus trees, parking areas, and an open area for picnic use. Walking trails lead through the woods to the St. Johns River. Members developed a list of flowering plants, vines and small trees; many of which are native to North Florida and which also attract butterflies. A fence was built, a sprinkler system installed and raised beds were constructed. On April 1, 2006, club members gathered for “ground breaking” and planting of selected plants. By May 1st, the garden was complete with the addition of a bench, bird bath and an antique plow from the original orchards. A Power Point presentation, describing the steps in developing a community garden, was produced and can be loaned as needed.
Paver bricks were added on the walk way in the spring of 2007 which increases access for visitors, including those who are physically challenged. The purchase of bricks through the club is an opportunity for members and the community to honor family members and friends. All physically able club members are encouraged to devote some time for the maintenance of the garden on an on-going basis. Early morning hours are scheduled to avoid the midday heat. The community has been most generous with contributions of materials and labor as well as their praise for the garden. Visitors have been excited about a quiet and restful place to relax while their children enjoy the butterflies. The garden was dedicated at 11:00 a.m. on April 21, 2007 as part of the 3rd Annual Bartram Bash. Live butterflies were released and the ceremony was closed with a ringing of the bell which is erected outside the garden.
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