The Garden Club of Norfolk (GCN) has received one of New England’s top honors in wildlife gardening for its innovative and educational butterfly gardens. At the March meeting of the New England Garden Clubs, GCN was awarded the Virginia Grandpre Wildlife Gardening Award, marking it as the top project in Massachusetts and across New England for excellence in native plant education and public benefit.

This prestigious award, established in 2009, recognizes outstanding programs that promote the use of native plants and contribute to ecological education. GCN’s three butterfly and pollinator gardens—located at H. Olive Day Elementary School, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Norfolk Federated Church—were praised for their beauty, educational value, and ecological impact.

All three gardens are Monarch Waystations, and one also holds certification as a Butterfly Garden. Each provides a vital habitat for butterflies, including host and nectar plants essential to their life cycle. Species like the Monarch butterfly rely on milkweed to survive, while the Black Swallowtail prefers plants like parsley and dill. Without these native host plants, butterflies cannot reproduce or sustain their populations. 

All three GCN gardens are free of chemicals. Visitors are welcome.

The butterfly garden at the H. Olive Day School.

H. Olive Day Butterfly and Flagpole Gardens (232 Main Street) began in 1994 as a school project to attract pollinators. With the help of local lepidopterist Madeline Champagne and years of nurturing by club members, it has flourished into an official Monarch Waystation by MonarchWatch.org, featuring milkweed, sedum, yarrow, and more. 

Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Butterfly Garden (108 North Street) underwent a major transformation in 2014. Once overgrown and inaccessible, it was restored by GCN volunteers and a grant from the Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association. Additions included native perennials like purple coneflower and butterfly weed. A birdhouse, fencing, and signage—thanks to a local Eagle Scout—now welcome visitors to the rejuvenated space. The garden is certified as a Monarch Waystation and Butterfly Garden by the North American Butterfly Association.

Federated Church Butterfly Garden (1 Union Street) sprouted from a 2015 Girl Scout project to support Monarch conservation. With GCN’s help, the Scouts created an interactive garden for preschoolers that includes butterfly releases, crafts, and an emphasis on milkweed preservation. The garden is certified as a Monarch Waystation and Pollinator Habitat.

How You Can Help Butterflies

• Plant a butterfly garden in a sunny, open area with some sheltered edges. Include water areas, flat rocks, nectar flowers, and host plants. Avoid pesticides. These gardens need minimal care and water once they are established. 

• Plant native plants.

• Stay away from chemically treated plants (like neonicotinoids).

• Look for host plants (plants that caterpillars eat).

• Replace your lawn with wildflowers.

The Garden Club of Norfolk, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public about horticulture and promoting the beautification of the community. The club includes gardeners of all skill levels and welcomes new members. Area residents interested in gardening or learning more about the club’s activities are encouraged to visit the club’s website at www.gardenclubofnorfolkma.com.