Pollinator Habitat Gardens
Robeson Meadows is trailblazing in incorporating more pollinator habitats into the common spaces such as street islands, the spillways and areas around the lakes. These plantings include a mixture of native and non native small trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials which provide food, shelter and homes for many insects and birds. They provide four seasons of beauty for the residents. Additionally they help with improving soil and water retention which is important with the increased rainfall we are experiencing. This in turn helps to reduce water run-off and improve water quality. The increased vegetation also helps to pull more carbon dioxide from the air, helping in reducing the effects of climate change and improving air quality in our neighborhood. Robeson Meadows is leading the way in which suburban neighborhoods can “Turn Wasted Spaces into Beneficial Places!”
Please come and see Robeson Meadows’ two certified Pollinator Habitat Gardens. Everyone is welcome to visit.
Maggie Dougherty Roberts, her family and friends, planted a butterfly garden in June, 2008.
This garden is located along the SE corner of the small Pond along Windsor Road. This garden has been fenced to keep the rabbits from destroying the plant material. Please feel free to enter the garden gate and view the variety of plant material which will help sustain a habitat for our beautiful butterfly population. Maggie has a listing of the plant material. She is willing to give a tour for your small group.
There is a second certified Butterfly Habitat Garden located in the spillway west of the large lake and Duncan Road.
This garden was planted by Japhia Ramkumar and their children during the summer of 2009. Access to this garden is off the private walk way on the west side of the lake or off of Valley Brook.
Both of Robeson Meadows’ Pollinator Habitats have been recognized and registered as Monarch Waystations by the organization MonarchWatch.
Other areas that have been planted are several street islands and the commons area behind the office buildings at Robeson Crossing.
The Board of Directors have allowed this simple common area garden to be planted as an educational exercise, to help improve the air, water and soil quality in our neighborhood and to be a source of beauty to connect with nature. We plan to post the garden design, list of plant material, timely butterfly observations and photos. For more information, please contact Japhia Ramkumar. Maggie and Japhia are Master Gardeners. Maggie is also a Master Naturalist.
Here are some pictures from the butterfly gardens. Click on an image to enlarge.
A beautiful butterfly.