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Ripley Horticultural Society tours Butterfly Gardens in Saugeen Shores

August 4, 2018

Fifteen members of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society and a guest, made the short migration to Southampton, July 25, for a tour of the Butterfly Gardens of Saugeen Shores.

Interest in the non–profit network of volunteer-maintained pollinator gardens, was sparked after hearing co-founder Kerry Jarvis speak at the Ontario Horticultural Association District 8 annual general meeting in May.

With guide book in hand, beginning at the main gardens at Rotary Perkins Park, the ladies admired the plantings and numerous inhabitants flitting from bloom-to-bloom. The Monarch lifecycle mural afforded the perfect photo opportunity and some fun.

Next on the tour, were the butterfly gardens at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, and a stroll around Fairy Lake. The area has undergone extensive rehabilitation after hundreds of trees were removed due to the infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer.

The beautiful natural setting has been enhanced by the addition of pollinator gardens and sculptures carved from tree stumps by resident Gerald Guenkel which depict wildlife native to Saugeen Shores, such as butterflies, turtles, and several bird species. Several of the aforementioned fauna made live appearances and posed for photos.

After admiring the work of talented local artists at the Southampton Art Gallery, it was time for dinner at the Walker House.
President Sandra MacDonald welcomed everyone and read a poem written in 1993 by member Sadie McLeod to commemorate the society’s summer outing to Drayton.

A beautiful sunny day and a lovely outing was capped off by a visit to Southampton’s big flag, another butterfly “pod” garden and a magnificent view of Lake Huron with the sun’s setting rays reflecting off the tranquil waters.

The next gathering of the Ripley Horticultural Society takes place Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. The guest speaker will be Alan Robertson, director of special projects at 7ACRES.

Guests and new members are always welcome. Contact Sandra MacDonald at 395-5447 or asmac@hurontel.on.ca for more information.

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