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 of the school and 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 Pollinators 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 like to thank the very generous benefactor who made significant monetary contributions in 2024 and 2025 to help achieve my dreams for this public space.