The Greensburg Garden Center’s butterfly garden is now open for the season, even though caretakers have yet to see many of the delicate lepidopterans flutter by.
At a Thursday reception in the garden, members said they’ve seen one or two, but they’re working to make the premises more welcoming as more butterflies appear during the summer months.
The lush grounds behind the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center have areas for native plants, annuals and roses, along with a charming little gnome garden, but the focus is on adding more plants that attract butterflies and caterpillars.
Members also are in the process of installing mesh cages to house butterfly larva that will be collected from a field behind the home of a Westmoreland County Master Gardener. Visitors will be able to watch as the larva develop.
All these preparations will culminate in the center’s annual butterfly release, set for Aug. 8.
This year’s event will be smaller than those in previous years, said center President Carla Rusnica. Planners are taking continued social distancing measures into account by having only 200 butterflies available, half the usual number.
Butterflies will be released during two smaller sessions, instead of one, and people also will be able to pick theirs up curbside if they feel more comfortable releasing them at home.
To check on the butterflies and to watch as the garden continues to bloom, visitors can stop by from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The garden also is open to larger groups by appointment; call 724-837-0245.
Seen at the opening: Elizabeth Pesci, Susan Wisneski, Nadine Mason, Kristen Andree, Deneise Snyder, Terry Rodgers, Lisa Lauer, Diane Dale, Judy Geary, Nicky Heinack, Carol Ross and Nancy Nemeth.
