It was the first Saturday of the month and that meant our community gardeners met at Butterfly Junction for one of their monthly sessions. Included in their work this time was planting several female holly bushes to increase the likelihood of attracting holly blue butterflies to colonize.

Holly blue larvae feed predominantly on the flower buds, berries and terminal leaves of holly in the spring and although larval development can occur entirely on the leaves of male holly bushes, they prefer female bushes.

Our thanks go to those who contributed to our summer crowdfunder and to the John Laing Charitable Trust for their generous donation. Part of the new funds went towards the purchase of these holly bushes and the protective wire netting and stakes needed while they establish.

If you’re interested in joining our friendly monthly community gardening group (no experience needed), details can be found here.