4th Annual

Open House & Plant Swap

June 20, 2020 • 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

The Open House

Once a year we open our home to allow the public to tour our backyard butterfly habitat so that you can learn how to create a butterfly and pollinator friendly space, garden, or habitat.

We began transforming our two acres in 2012 and our efforts have been a work in progress ever since. Our goal is to provide support to butterflies through the thoughtful use of both native and non-native plants and messy/lazy gardening practices. As a result of our approach we raise around a hundred or more Monarch and Black Swallowtail butterflies each year. In total we have raised almost 20 different butterfly and moth species from plants either naturally occurring or placed within our habitat.

The Plant Swap

The Plant Swap is our way of helping you and other members of our community to acquire plants at no cost to help you get started or supplement your garden.

Bringing plants to swap is totally optional! We will have a limited supply and selection of plants for sale during the event. We accept all cards, check, and cash.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Event

We welcome adults and children of all ages. We love all pets but please leave them at home today. We do not have a public restroom at this time. All areas are grass covered and fairly level. Please contact us if you have any questions or have special needs.

How does the plant swap work?

We will have a designated area to place plants. You will be exchanging plants with us and with other attendees of the Open House.

Generally, for each plant you bring you can swap it for another plant — in other words an equal exchange. While there is no limit to how many plants you may bring, be reasonable. 

What plants should I bring to the swap?

Generally, any plant that is considered a nectar plant or plant good for pollinators; any plant that is a known host plant for moths or butterflies. We have a recommendation list for reference.

Do I have to RSVP?

Yes! We are limiting the number of people per hour because of the following important reasons:

  1. We have limited parking space. 
  2. We want to be able to interact with you to answer your questions, and interpret our habitat for you.
  3. We want to practice safety measures regarding the spread of COVID-19. 

What are your Covid-19 safety measures?

We will be implementing the following safety measures:

  1. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more when possible. 
  2. Wearing a mask.
  3. Do not attend if you feel sick, or have possibly been exposed to someone with the virus.
  4. We will have disinfecting wipes available to clean hands and surfaces.
  5. We will be limiting the number of people per hour.
  6. We will cancel the event if necessary to insure the health and safety of you and ourselves.

RSVP Tickets

Tickets are timed hourly from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Scroll down to find an attendance time. Tickets are limited to 5 per hour and limited to 1 ticket per applicant.