Team of Volunteers

The initial team of volunteers to help work on this project are as listed:
Rachel S,Gisela, Tracy, Danny, Dee, Mary Pat, Allison, Donna, Erin, and Rachel F.

Our first planning meeting over a cup of coffee at Miss Daisy's Kitchen in the Grassland Market

It is very important to use proper protection when working the land.  Gloves, sun protection,  and proper tools make the job go smoother.   Removing weeds by digging them out when the soil is damp makes the job a LOT easier!

 
Walnut Grove Elementary School opened in 1990.  This space was originally used for a "portable classroom" before additions were made to the existing building.  Approximately 1995, the  portable classroom was removed, the site was an eye sore.  Several of the teachers worked together on a vision  for a butterfly garden. The team worked hard  writing grants and involving parents in donating plants to make the butterfly garden a reality.  The  Environmental Association of Tennessee awarded a grant of $200.00.  Flower Power and Walmart both MATCHED the grant funds.  Other garden centers donated plants.   The garden continues to be a spot of beauty, but time, weather, and weeds had begun to take over.  Several of the Master Gardner's of Williamson County are working to revive this beautiful space for the students as an outdoor learning lab and place to enjoy the beauty of a garden.

Butterfly Garden Work Site

The above "tree" with buds of green, is actually an invasive Honeysuckle, 

and will be removed by one of our volunteers this weekend.  When choosing plants,

it is important to choose the right plant for your site

and remove plants that will take over the scape of your project.

The existing space we have to work with is approximately 1200 square feet

(20'x70')

However...if you are planning a butterfly garden, you can attract butterflies on a patio or small space in a pots of your choice plants.  Just know your space, and plan, plan, plan.

Many weeds need to be removed by hand, and existing plants transplanted

for larger groupings.  Before plants are added, a watering system, soaker hose, or drip irrigation will be installed.  Research is still being done, donations being asked for and accepted.

The work begins.

Butterfly Garden at Walnut Grove Elementary School, Introduction

Mrs. Simmons was one of the founding teachers at Walnut Grove Elementary School.  During her hears of dedicated service to Walnut Grove, she envisioned a Butterfly Garden for the students to learn from, enjoy, and help take care of.

The spring 2014  Williamson County Master Gardner Class decided to help give a face lift to the garden that needed  some TLC from dedicated volunteers, and that is what they set out to do.   Amy Dismukes (Horticulture Agent for UT/TSU Extension of Williamson County) is our official expert here in Williamson County.  Her wealth and depth of knowledge helped guide  us toward good plant choices, and identifying "mystery" plants 

We pulled from many resources and did a lot of reading.  

Troy B. Marden   His Book Plant This Instead was a great help.

Magazines and newsletters our volunteers had on hand:

The Garden Gate

NABA of Middle Tennessee 

List of Tennessee Butterflies

Endangered Species of Insects (butterflies) in TN

The zebra swallowtail, Eurytides marcellus.  

The zebra swallowtail has also been called the pawpaw butterfly, kite swallowtail and ajax.

Zebra Swallowtail

TN State Butterfly (Zebra Swallowtail)

Then we went to work.   Grants to write for funding, finding volunteers, organizing work days, and making a list from NEEDS and WANTS, and seeking donations.