Museum marks Earth Day with plant sales this weekend
April 18, 2011
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host one of its largest plant sales April 22-24 to celebrate Earth Day.
Butterfly-friendly plants may be purchased from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The sale features 80 to 100 species of native, host and nectar plants ranging from $3 to $25 and marks the beginning of the museum’s daily butterfly plant sales.
“This plant sale will offer more than four times the species offered during our regular plant sales,” said Jeffrey Hansen, Florida Museum Butterfly Rainforest operations manager.
The list of plants for sale is on the museum website at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/plant_sales.htm.
“Many factors like clearing land for housing and crops or using pesticides destroys butterfly habitat,” Hansen said. “However, many species can survive with small backyard plots of the plants they need. The museum decided to begin offering butterfly-friendly plants each day of the week due to the increased interest in butterfly gardening and demand for the plants.”
Those interested in learning more about building an attractive, butterfly-friendly garden will find additional information on the Florida Museum website. During the sale, visitors may also speak with experienced museum employees and volunteers.
Hansen recommends gardeners:
• Include all types of plants in your garden. Butterflies feed on nectar plants and lay their eggs on specific host plants. Caterpillars also feed on host plants before transforming into butterflies.
• Research local butterflies if you want to attract specific species. Some butterflies lay their eggs in the shade while others prefer sunny environments. Each butterfly has a specific host plant: Monarchs lay eggs on Milkweed and the Zebra Longwing lays its eggs on Passion Flower.
• Take the necessary precautions when planting during periods of extremely high or low temperatures, and ensure new plants receive the correct amount of water.