Alameda Butterfly Habitat Garden
Alameda
Years gardened at this location: 2 years
Lot size: half acre total; 60’ x 60’ garden; 100’ x 60’ meadow
Showcase feature: This delightful half-acre butterfly sanctuary, located on the grounds of Bay Farm Elementary School, was designed to provide food and shelter for larval and adult butterflies. The beauty of butterflies and their amazing transformation from caterpillar to winged adult has captured the imaginations of both children and adults alike. This three-year-old garden, created from weeds that grew in sand, was designed and installed by volunteers. Master Gardener Mary Hynes designed the garden; the plant list and placement were researched and designed by Master Gardener Marla Lee. The plants were installed by volunteers.
Other garden attractions:
- More than 100 species of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, grasses, and annuals that provide food for caterpillars and adult butterflies are on display.
- Splashing fountain attracts wildlife and children alike.
- This site, a former weedy junkyard, was planted in November of 2002.
Gardening for Wildlife: Butterflies, moths, and bees love this garden and the plants selected specifically to attract them! Red admiral, west coast lady, painted lady, fiery and common-checkered skipper, orange sulphur, buckeye, anise swallowtail, western tiger, gray hairstreak, gulf fritillary, monarch, and cabbage butterflies have all been seen here, as have a variety of bees. To attract them, nectar and host plants for the butterflies have been thoughtfully chosen, a fountain and birdbath provide water, and rotting logs and thickets provide shelter from strong winds and predators. As many butterflies over-winter as pupae (not adults), the gardeners are cautious when pruning host plants (where butterflies lay their eggs and larvae feed during the cool weather).
California native butterfly host plants include queen Anne’s lace, monkeyflower, milkweed, yarrow, willows, alders, coffee berry, and lupines.
Hummingbirds are frequently seen and American Goldfinches bathe regularly in the fountain. The bird population has grown in proportion to the growth of the plants, which provide thickets and shelter for dozens of birds.