Church Pollinator Garden

Creating an urban habitat for birds, butterflies, and bees

After speaking with many parents, teachers, and residents during the restoration of the church breezeway garden, I realized the adjoining garden space could become so much more than a place for pretty flowers. My focus became to transform the space into a garden designed for pollinators, including host plants for caterpillars, along with pollen and nectar sources for butterflies and bees.

Why this is important

Nearly 75% of the world’s flowering plants depend on animal pollinators to reproduce, but many of the butterflies and bees which fill that role are in significant decline. The plants I selected for this space are intended to help the recovery of Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies in our environment, as well as provide the children at the pre-school and in this urban neighborhood with a nature lesson on the life cycle of these beautiful creatures. In March of 2024 the National Wildlife Federation designated the space a Certified Wildlife Habitat and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens certified the space as a Plant for Pollinator Garden.

A portion of the proceeds I derive from my private garden design clients are used to help make this a colorful space for everyone to enjoy. I’d also like to thank the very generous benefactor who donated a significant amount in 2024 and 2025 to help achieve my dreams for this public space.