Hi, everyone.

 

We hope this message finds you happy and gardening!

It’s July and it’s hot!

 There was not an in-person meeting this month. Think of it as our summer break😊.

 Here is your update on July Club news….

 But first, some Malachite butterfly moments! 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  The SHGC butterfly house at Folly Farm Nature Preserve has been hosting 8 Malachite butterflies! Unfortunately, they are near the end of their stay. They only live between 1-2 weeks. The butterfly house was provisioned with nectar plants and fruit for our fluttering guests. And host plants!

 The Malachite’s host plant is the green shrimp. We made sure to have many on hand. There was a lot of social activity between our “chites”, and we are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next generation. Keep your fingers crossed!    

July marks the last month of our plantings related to the Florida Wildflower Foundation VIVA grant. Over the past year we have really made an impact on Folly:

 The Wind Garden

The Meadow Garden

Rain Garden

The Butterfly Labyrinth Garden enhancements

George’s Garden

 

Gardening through the pandemic!

Our Folly Farmers have really done a spectacular job!

Some played a small part, and many have put in dozens of hours of volunteering. Together we are creating a magical place!

 

In the news…

 This month we were featured in an article published in the on-line magazine hosted by Creative Pinellas. It was written by local writer Laura Kepner, and it give us a close look at our “Wind Phone” project. Check it out!

 Link to Wind Phone article

 ABC channel 28 traffic anchor Sarah Phinney host a walking club feature where she visits area trails and towns.

She came out to Folly to check out the magic happening here!

The show will air soon, and we will post a link as soon as we know when!  

 

Educating our children…

Our very own SHGC Master Gardener Carol Zieres has stepped up and created a garden education summer camp class at Folly!

“The kids planted flower seeds in a pot of soil to take home and watch the seeds germinate. They conducted an experiment using cut flowers, water and food coloring to learn about plant uptake of nutrients and water. It takes a few hours for the white roses and carnation to absorb the green/blue food coloring which causes the pedals to turn color,” explained Carol.  

 

                            In this photo she is leading the class on a tour of the butterfly gardens
                                                          as a friendly garden gnome looks on.

	It was quite a site to see her walking in the Labyrinth, playing                                                         her flute, followed by a line of children!
		Planting a turtle shaped garden                                       in the playground

 

Watch your email for upcoming events at Folly!

Don't forget to visit our Safety Harbor Garden Club Facebook Page

SHGC Facebook Page

Come out and visit when you can!

That's all for now.

Happy Gardening, 

"We dig Folly Farm" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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