You know since I’ve been here at LCGC many customers are really into this butterfly gardening thing.
I thought they were just going through a phase.
However, my perspective began to change when a woman came to me in panic mode saying “We’re out of Milk Weed and our larvae are going to die if we don’t get more to replace it!”
Huh.. you’re larvae is going to die?
Well, since then, I’ve learned a bit more about butterfly gardening. For example, I learned in March that many breast cancer survivors find that butterfly gardening is an important part of their healing process. I’ve also met many customers who feel that attracting butterflies to their garden adds a whole new dimension of joy.
I also began to notice butterflies a lot more wherever I went. There’s something magical and “other-worldly” about them — a delicate, grace that is oblivious to the pressure-filled daily grind that we live in.
Well it was at this defining moment that I decided to increase my commitment and service to our customers who are devoted to butterfly plants and gardens. As a first step, I’ve decided to schedule our first ever butterfly gardening class for this July!
I’ve wanted to do this since april of 2008, but now the timing is perfect and I think we have the perfect venue for it.
It seems that the Butterfly Gods agree!
Just the other day, I was fortunate enough to meet one of our loyal customers at our sister nursery, Black Olive East. I was on the golf cart with my Assistant Paula and I asked her “who is that man and what is he doing?” she replied “oh that’s one of our customers Steve who comes in periodically because he knows we spray certain plants that are host to butterfly larvae and he rescues the larvae and takes them home to his yard and attaches them to his plants to survive.
Wow! This guy is really devoted to his butterflies!
I found this touching and turned the cart around and introduced myself to him. (Before my “Butterfly Conversion” I would have probably asked him to leave.:-) In 15 minutes of talking to Steve, I was impressed by his knowledge and passion and love for the many butterflies’ lives he saved. It was hard not to be touched by his sincerity.
I then found out that he drove from Coral Gables on the w/e to do this. I asked him would he be interested in leading a group of kids and share his knowledge of butterfly gardening with the masses. He laughed and said he would get back with me.
A few days later he called me and asked me to visit this website :
He said this was a friend of his named Rick Mikula who would be more than happy to teach the butterfly class for us. I agreed, and was prepared to give Steve a $200.00 gift certificate for his help, but was surprised when Steve said “Since you guys let me pick larvae, I will cover all the expenses for Rick to fly in and pay for his accommodations”. Can you believe it???!!!!!
Needless to say, I was blown away at a strangers generosity to the masses of kids and adults that will benefit from this (including me). I will admit my knowledge of butterfly gardening is intermediate and I am looking forward to learning so much more from Rick Mikula.
I feel very fortunate to have such wonderful customers (and now friends) like Steve .
I hope you all will stay posted to your emails for the invitation to this class it will be a fun day of learning and growing!
Get Dirty Gardening,
PS: DOES ANYONE DO FACE PAINTING FOR KIDS?
