There is a new garden at GC Library.
By Mary Whittnebert and Ann Hiers
The Books, Birds, and Butterflies Garden is located in a courtyard at the Garland County Library. It has several water features and was designed to highlight native plants for hummingbirds and pollinators, and berry bushes for birds.
This garden is the result of a collaboration of the GC Library, GC Master Gardeners (GCMC), the GC Audubon Society, and the GC Conservation District. Work on this garden was done in several phases from June to October 2021.
The final phase involved three workdays. During the first workday, grass was cleared from the center of the courtyard. A team from GCMG was joined by library staff member Kelsey Gocio. Soil was added to the courtyard during the second workday. Gocio and Butch Smith, Facilities Manager, will care for the garden.
The last day was planting. Native plants were chosen to serve as nectar and host plants for pollinators. This garden has proven to be a peaceful oasis in the middle of town. Many butterflies have already been spotted in the garden including the Diana fritillary, the Arkansas State Butterfly!
Master Gardeners, Mary Whittnebert and Ann Hiers, volunteer with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more information, call 501-623-6841 or email adykes@uaex.edu.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
