Alameda Butterfly Habitat Garden
at Bay Farm Elementary School
200 Aughinbaugh Road, Alameda
Garden Lot size: Half acre total; 60’ x 60’ garden; 100’ x 60’ meadow
Years gardened at this location (Gardening Experience): Planted in stages, beginning in 2002
Years on the "Bringing Back the Natives" Garden Tour: 4 years
Showcase feature: This delightful half acre butterfly sanctuary, located on the grounds of Bay Farm Elementary School, was designed to provide food and shelter for larval and adult butterflies. More than 100 species of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, grasses and annuals that provide food for caterpillars and adult butterflies are on display. This garden, a riot of spring color, attracts butterflies and children alike.
Other garden attractions:
- While visiting this beautiful garden you can purchase salads, snacks and homemade sweets; settle down at one of the picnic tables and enjoy!
- The native wildflower meadow boasts twenty-five plus kinds of native wildflowers in bloom—see how many you can identify! (Don’t hesitate to ask how you can transform your own lawn into a natural meadow.)
- Bring your children! They can plant and take home wildflower seeds. Bring your sick plants, too! A Master Gardener Plant Doctor booth will be staffed throughout the day.
Gardening for Wildlife: Butterflies, moths, and bees love this garden and the plants selected specifically to attract them! To attract butterflies nectar and host plants have been thoughtfully chosen, a fountain and birdbath provide water, and rotting logs and thickets provide shelter from strong winds and predators. Because many butterflies over-winter as pupae (not adults), the gardeners are cautious when pruning host plants (where butterflies lay their eggs and larvae feed during the cool weather). The dense plantings provide thickets and shelter for birds.
Garden Talks: Butterfly gardener extraordinaire Marla Lee will be available to answer questions throughout the day.
Native plants sold: A student/parent-run Farmer's Market will feature plants, native wildflower seeds, home-made treats, habitat-themed soaps and hand-crafted birdhouses worthy of collectors. Proceeds benefit the garden.
Directions:
Heading south on the 880 take the High St. exit and turn right onto High.*
Heading north on 880 take the High St. Exit and turn left onto High.
*Continue through the next light and over the bridge; stay in the left lane. Take the first left after the bridge onto Fernside. Continue on Fernside to the dead end at Otis. Turn left onto Otis and take the first right after the bridge onto Island Drive. Turn right at the light onto Robert Davey Drive. Continue to the dead end at Aughinbaugh. Turn right onto Aughinbaugh; the parking lot for the school and garden is on the left.