By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
A Butterfly House is now open in the native plant Butterfly Garden at Pleasant Grove Park. This butterfly exhibit is part of the “Pleasant Grove Park: A Natural Experience” plan, which has been ongoing since 2014. The house offers a chance to observe native butterflies and their larvae at various stages of development.
“Thirty-five native host plants are positioned throughout the space with signage highlighting their importance as each species of butterfly requires its specific plants on which to lay their eggs and to provide food for its caterpillars,” said Master Gardener Sue Tepper. “Flowering nectar plants and nectar stations are nestled among the host plants to provide the food energy needed for the butterflies themselves.”
She added that now, at the peak of summer, is when pollinators are busiest in the Butterfly Garden, which provides a demonstration of the native plants and their importance to our pollinators. The Fluvanna Master Gardeners tend the garden weekly, and the plants are well marked, allowing visitors to see how native plants might fit into their garden at home.
The public is invited to come and experience the lifecycle of native butterflies in an enclosed environment, including a screened nursery for viewing. Free tours by Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteers are available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The tours are ongoing from now through the end of September. The garden is open seven days a week during park visiting hours.
Until Lewis Ginter reopens in 2026, this is the only butterfly house open in central Virginia.
For more information or to set up a tour, visit www.fluvannamg.org or our Facebook page: Fluvanna VCE Master Gardeners, or call 434-591-1950.
