Friedell Butterfly Garden!

Once upon a time, our garden was a pile of county land piled with sand, salt, and weeds.  In short nothing spectacular to look at every day on our way to school.  With the help of partners in this project who have thus far dedicated time, talents, equipment and funds we were able to plan and create a beautiful labyrinth butterfly garden. So thank you to Seneca Foods, Friedell Middle School, RNeighborWoods, City of Rochester Park and Rec, Rochester Pond and Garden Tour, and Herring Eco-Logistics.

With 75 cubic yards of compost from Olmsted County and 35 cubic yards of wood chips we set out to create a nutrient rich area in which our native plants will thrive.  They types of plants we planted are: Butterfly Weed, Swamp Milkweed, New England Aster, Rocky Minnesota Blazing Star, Indian Grass, Rigid Goldenrod, columbine, Wild Strawberry, and Cherry, Apple, and Larch trees.

Luckily, all of the plants and trees were planted before the end of the school year and will have time to mature over the summer vacation.  Starting fall of 2012 the garden will be used for educational purposes mainly involving the study of butterflies. The students who participated in this fun after school activity learned proper planting techniques and skills, and learned the importance of planting native plants.  They can take pride in knowing they helped re-purpose this unused county land for future students and participating in a project that will be cherished for years to come!

Check out our pictures on the RNeighbors Facebook Page!

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