Somersfield’s butterfly garden required teamwork and research

How does your garden grow: Student volunteer Arianna Stapley enjoys tending the butterfly garden at Somersfield Academy, which not only increases biodiversity on the campus but enriches the lives of all who come to the school.

May 05, 2011 — A colourful scene captures the eye as you approach Somersfield Academy’s butterfly garden at the entrance to the school. The garden showcases a variety of flowers and butterflies, maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers, including students, staff, and parents. Recently, The Royal Gazette met with Tess Spencer and Nikki Buechhel from M3, Carraic O’Donnell from fourth grade, Arianna Stapley from seventh grade, and parent Lisa Greene.

About a year ago, Mrs. Greene, Dr. Dorte Horsfield, and Cynthia Cox decided to create the butterfly garden. Initially, the space was just a patch of dirt with a drain and some weeds. The garden was designed to welcome students and visitors, while also enhancing the curriculum. It was intended to attract specific butterflies, such as the Monarch, sulfur, gulf fritillary, and cabbage white, each of which feeds on different plants like milkweed, the cassia tree, the passion flower, and mustard-family plants like broccoli and cabbage.

Student volunteer Carraic O'Donnell told The Royal Gazette that he joined the work party because he found the garden appealing. He started helping out when the team needed assistance and has enjoyed every moment since. Carraic often removes weeds and waters plants. His favourite flower in the garden is milkweed, and although he likes the Blue Morpho butterfly, it doesn’t visit Bermuda.

Nikki Buechhel contributed to the garden for community service and to enhance the school's appearance. She also admires the Blue Morpho butterfly and believes that without parent volunteers, the garden would still be a patch of dirt.

Arianna Stapley mentioned that the butterfly garden has created a pleasant environment at the school. She joined the garden project for community service and her love for gardening. Mrs. Greene explained that the garden thrives thanks to the work of student and parent volunteers, along with fundraising support from the parent association. She emphasised the importance of teamwork in the garden’s success.

Mrs. Greene also suggested that if you want to start your own butterfly garden, begin small. Visit the library at the Department of Environmental Protection in the Botanical Gardens or the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo to learn more about local butterflies and their needs. Recommended plants include lavender, milkweed, and lantana, which attract butterflies and grow well in Bermuda.

The school is hosting its annual fair on Saturday, May 28. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the vibrant butterfly garden, and see how many butterflies you can spot.

Originally published in The Royal Gazette