Metamorphosis of New Life at DABG
Generous donors have made possible the metamorphosis of new projects and programs at DABG .
THE GARDEN OF EAT ’ N , an attractive and edible display garden , has grown well into the early stages of development . This educational area will showcase the implementation of fruit-bearing trees , vines and bushes in a landscape environment . The Garden of Eat ’ n grounds are located adjacent to the Heinemann Center Gift Shop parking lot . Steve Ulstad and Kelly Goossen have been instrumental in designing , organizing and spearheading the effort . Watch for more plantings coming soon !
A TRIO OF BUTTERFLY GARDENS ( which adorn the Garden of Eat ’ n entrances ) are already attracting friendly butterflies and winged pollinators . Over fifteen different species of flowers have been selected to provide both nectar and plant material for breeding to benefit butterflies migrating from Mexico and Canada and back annually between early spring and early fall . Three living memorials have been established in support of these areas . The goal is to make the butterfly gardens eligible to meet “ Monarch Watch ” criteria . This area promises to be a favorite stop for both DABG visitors and butterflies !
MonarchWatch . org is an organization that monitors the population of monarch butterflies and seeks to promote activities to benefit monarchs through education , conservation and research , key objectives of the DABG .
American Snout sipping Autumn Joy Sedum . American Snout butterflies are a bit nervous . If disturbed they fly up and hang on a twig and look like a small dead leaf .
Monarch butterfly sipping nectar from a Sawtooth Sunflower . Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed , which is actually a poisonous toxin and is stored in their bodies , and makes them taste terrible to their predators .
MANY NEW VOLUNTEERS have been drawn to contribute to the creation and maintenance of colorful new gardens . Many of these benevolent workers are identified with the local foods movement . Changes prompt the need for growth . Much like the life cycle of a butterfly , the creation of new and necessary volunteer teams is a beautiful thing indeed ! Contact Sue or Sandi to learn more about volunteer opportunities at 563.556.2100 .
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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is enjoying the lantana flowers at the DABG . Usually these butterflies are yellow or black . Apparently our female ’ s color has faded with age .
Not sure if it is a butterfly , skipper or moth ? Look at the antennae . Butterflies have antennae with knobs at the ends ; skippers have hooks or points at the end ; and moths have “ feathery ” antennae without knobs . Above is a Fiery Skipper .