Local Pollinator Gardens Making Comebacks

Posted by Publisher on

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com 

 

City's Nature Preserve Pollinator Garden.

 

Fairhope Walmart's pollinator garden.

 

Coastal Community College garden.

 

AKA BUTTERFLY GARDENS

The city's re-located butterfly garden is in full bloom now -- at the Flying Creek Nature Preserve; it had to be relocated from its original spot in Magnolia Beach Park last year, where it had been overtaken by kudzu. 

Another one, installed in their parking lot by Walmart that had gone to seed in recent years has been restored as well.

The champion is still the one on the Coastal Community College campus in downtown Fairhope, maintained by the Master Gardener's Club; it has always been in good shape.





Location: Fairhope, AL 36532, USA

Comments

Anonymous said…
Admirable. But what about the "Diamond in the Rough" Knoll Park?
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Publisher said…
Knoll Park was declared a butterfly sanctuary in 2018: "In October 2018, the Mayor signed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. The monarch butterfly population has decreased 90% over the past 20 years. The pledge requires taking action and reporting on those actions so that a national effort can be coordinated and recorded. Also, in October 2018 the City Council passed a resolution supporting the Tree Committee’s recommendation that Knoll Park be declared a Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and put aside funds for plants and seeds that would attract these magnificent butterflies. Celebrate this special place in Fairhope where the harmony of truly natural surroundings can be appreciated for their simple splendor, and relish in the fact that we have a golden opportunity to salvage a remnant of that beauty that drew our founders here more than 100 years ago."
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Anonymous said…
I mean, that had two gardens that “went to seed.” What is the point of bringing them back now? Maybe teenagers on summer break can maintain them. What do you think?
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Publisher said…
a Pollinator Garden is a garden dedicated to native plants that provide nectar and pollen to native pollinator species. Some plant species rely on wind or water to transfer pollen from one flower to the next, but the overwhelming majority of plants need help from animals for this task. There are roughly 200,000 animal species around the world that perform as pollinators. Less than 1% of these are vertebrates (birds, bats, and other small mammals). The rest are invertebrates, including flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, wasps, and bees.

It is estimated that animal pollinators are needed for the reproduction of 90% of flowering plants and one-third of human food crops. Not only are they vital for lots of food we eat, they also enable plants to provide food and cover for wildlife, prevent erosion, and keep waterways clean. This is why it is so important we create habitat for them. Habitat for pollinators should include food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
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