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Turtle Back Zoo Butterfly Garden
The Master Gardeners assist in beautifying
The Butterfly Garden at the Turtle Back Zoo is located next to the Tortoisery (Turtle House). It was created a number of years ago to attract the annual butterfly population. However, do to budget cuts, the county was unable to staff the proper maintenance for the garden and it soon fell into ruin.
Harriet Pomerance, a docent at the Turtle Back Zoo and a Master Gardener of Essex County, upset that the Butterfly Garden was overgrown with weeds, poison ivy, and loosestrife, organized a group of Master Gardeners and founded the Butterfly Garden Committee of the Master Gardeners.
Along with approval of the Zoo and funding donated
by the Master Gardeners of Essex County organization,
work was begun to rehabilitate the Butterfly Garden.
Initially, weeds and overgrowth were removed to make room for plantings that would enhance the gardens overall appearance as well as attrack butterflies. Also,A large area of poison ivy was identified on the ground and removed.
The garden has been transformed to provide four seasons of visual appeal. There are
a- early spring flowering bulbs,
b- summer blooming shrubs and flowers. These plants are the nectar plants to feed the butterflies and host plants which provide food for the catepillars
c-late blooming perennials and annuals and
d-evergreen shrubs and tall grasses to maintain winter interest.
The Butterfly Garden is maintained by the Master Gardeners of Essex County who continue to plant, weed, prune, and transplant as necessary throughout the year. Their long-range goals are to achieve a sustainable garden using plants and materials which require mnimum maintenance and provide maximum longevity.
We are always looking for volunteers.
Contact the Master Gardeners Helpline: 973 228 2210.
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