By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
In the heart of our quaint little town, nestled in the property of the Martha Jones Elementary School, there existed a hidden gem: a magical sanctuary known as the Butterfly Garden. This enchanting haven exists so nature's most delicate and vibrant creatures can dance in the breeze and drink in the sweet nectar of their most beloved flowers.
Every plant in the Butterfly Garden had been carefully selected to cater to the needs of these delicate creatures. Some of the flowers embedded into this garden include lupine, purple cornflower, black eyed Susans, blazing stars, and little bluestem, offering their sweet nectar, inviting butterflies to feast and replenish their energy. This arrayment of flowers invites the butterflies in during the summer and early fall months when they are in full bloom.
The list of common butterflies that wander through this garden include: American Coppr, Cabbage White, American Lady, Eastern Comma, Red Admiral, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Fritillary, Monarch, Pearl Crescent, Silver-spotted Skipper, Skipper, Spring Azure, Black Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, Viceroy, and the Clouded Sulphur. These dazzling, colorful creatures each held their own special place within this enchanting paradise.
Here butterflies perform graceful aerial acrobatics, twirling and pirouetting in a captivating dance of life and love. They invite their onlookers to be entranced by their grace and beauty, as they create an ethereal ambiance.
The Butterfly Garden held more than just a visual spectacle: this sanctuary was a gift from the Class of 2013 to recognize and honor former school principal, Peggy Jones, who served as principal from 1999 to 2012. It was an Eagle Scout Project of Troop 3 in Westwood, which was led by Sam Gantert. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was cared for by the Westwood Garden Club. This Butterfly Garden, though it was created to enjoy the visits from common butterflies, also has served as a means to bring the community together. Several hands from different local entities have left their mark on this sanctuary, enabling it to be what it exists as today.
During these last few weeks of summer, before school once again resumes, allow yourself the pleasure of observing the Butterfly Garden: a place where time stands still and beauty is allowed to unfold and flutter.
