BUTTERFLY GARDEN: Burnaby Lake Nature House

As I was going through the Basic Training to become a Master Gardener I was unaware of the number of volunteer hours that were required, and then very surprised at the number of clinics and community projects where one could do those hours.  I was a little frightened that I did not know enough to answer other peoples questions (I have since learned this is not true) therefore I was looking for volunteer hours where I could actually get my hands dirty.  I have four children so time is precious.  I discovered the Burnaby Lake Butterfly Garden, which I had walked through many times, was one of the MG projects that I could work on.  It was perfect, already a favourite spot and close to home.

Judy W., a bundle of energy, is the MG in charge who has been working there for many years now.  I have done two seasons in the garden with Judy and Carol, another MG, plus a couple of others that have wandered in and out.  The Butterfly Garden is a lovely spot outside the Nature House and offices for the GVRD Park Rangers.  We have every sun aspect to deal with and damp conditions for the most part.  The garden is filled to the brim with perennials and a few shrubs which attract butterflies and their larva.  As we glean more plants from wherever we can find them, preferably free, we add and expand.

We have a dry ditch which borders one side of the garden lined with large round rocks. One of the first times at the garden, in the late spring, I was down in the ditch weeding out horsetail.  I worked away for quite a while and then I looked up and surprise - there was a goose with all of her goslings not more than 3 feet away. Carol said: “Look further!” and there were actually three adult geese and 15-20 goslings!  One early morning there was a coyote wandering through.  Another time I was weeding away and suddenly POP! two little frogs which had been completely camouflaged jumped up in front of my face.  I have also seen shrews and a vole and so many different species of birds that it would be impossible to list them all.

Our work at the garden consists of weeding and keeping things tidy, planting and dividing perennials.  Last year we attempted installation of an irrigation system which helped keep things looking fresh through the summer, though it still needs some fine tuning come spring.  We also enjoy talking with the public that wander through and answer a myriad of questions. In late spring there is an Open House to educate the public on what they can accomplish in their own gardens.

I love spring in the garden when everything is popping up, and then fall when everything is mature and the golden fall perennials are in full bloom.  We have struggled with seeing butterflies in the garden, but this past July we were at work and by mid morning there were 4 different species alighting on our open blooms - very exciting.

As an MG working on this project I have discovered that I do know a few things that I can share with the public. I have loved working with these two ladies and learning more from them; I have also enjoyed gardening on a much larger scale than I have access to at home.  I think it is important to find ways to integrate our gardens with the nature that is around us, using NO pesticides and leaving a fallen log in place as a home to little creatures.  Being in such a ‘wild’ spot in the midst of suburbia you would think we would have lots of problems with pests and insects but we don’t.  It is a beautiful tranquil spot - come for a visit.

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks_lscr/regionalparks/Pages/BurnabyLake.aspx

Author: Karen Bos, MG, Vancouver Chapter