Pamela Crawford is a landscape designer speaking about butterfly gardening at Mounts Botanical Garden. [Photo by Mounts Botanical Garden]
Landscape designer Pamela Crawford will address the Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden Saturday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m.
Recognized for her expertise in container gardening, Crawford is the award-winning author of “Butterfly Gardening for Containers and Landscapes.” She has experimented with more than 2,500 plant species and has crafted butterfly gardens in Palm Beach County since 1990.
Crawford’s presentation will include choosing optimal butterfly-friendly plants for the region, enhancing butterfly habitats in containers and the outdoors, finding suppliers for plants and containers and experienced design and installation professionals, and understanding the elements that attract butterflies.
Crawford says habitat loss is behind the dwindling population of butterflies in Palm Beach County since the 1920s. She says home gardens offer hope for boosting the population, and homeowners play a crucial role by providing nourishment for adult butterflies and their offspring.
“Planting a few plants that butterflies like can make a big difference. My talk covers everything you need to begin,” Crawford says. “My butterfly book and my book ‘Easy Gardens for South Florida’ will give homeowners all the training they need to succeed.”
Misty Stoller, Mounts’ interim co-director, says: “Pamela Crawford will lead a tour to see a special new butterfly display at Mounts created by display garden horticulturist Joel Crippen and volunteers that was inspired by her book.”
The display features the Kinsman Co.’s Border Column System, based on Crawford’s recommendations for attracting butterflies to a garden or patio, Stoller says. “The Mounts Butterfly Garden will also be accessible for viewing nectar, larval and roosting plants for a comprehensive butterfly gardening experience.”
Location: 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach
Price: $15 members, $35 nonmembers (includes full garden admission)
Registration is required and is nonrefundable.
