Butterfly and Scent garden Macdonald Campus 2011-2013
Report by Caroline Begg, Ph.D. caroline.begg@mcgill.ca
Date of project starting: May 2012
Date of project completion: May 2013
Proposal: To revitalize an underutilized grassed area (not used for any purpose but has to be mowed)
by establishing two themed perennial gardens; butterfly and scent 12 m2 each. To minimize inputs
(carbon and water footprints) by using perennial plants and a rainwater collection system and to limit
the need for any additional McGill resources.
Objectives: The objective is to create a place for people (town and gown) to experience the interactions
between plants and insects and to understand how gardens can be designed in such a way that
endangered species can be re-integrated into our backyards in urban areas. Perennial gardens utilizing
native nectar bearing plants will increase insect biodiversity and enhance bird life on the campus. As
well the butterflies and other pollinators will aid in the pollination needs of the Macdonald Campus
community garden. The gardens will be used to teach students (BSc and college level) about ecosystem
services, insect-plant interactions and the importance of these insects in producing food. After the first
year, these themed gardens will require minimal inputs and the student society ASEUS (Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Society) has agreed to monitor and arrange for further
maintenance needs.
Results as of summer 2012: Two new gardens were established and planted and an unused larger
“Medicine Wheel” was also planted – a larger area was planted then was proposed. All perennial plants
were used. Plant establishment was extremely good – out of the approximately 100 plants transplanted
– only 2 died during the summer and were replaced. Please see attached PowerPoint for pictures and
details of the plants. The rainwater catchment system was installed. Mulch was out around all of the
fruit trees
Project Funding: $6290 was received from the Toronto Dominion Environment Fund and $2565 from
SPF
Project expenses: As many students chose to volunteer rather than being paid we will be able to
increase the size of the garden by connecting the two newly established gardens in May 2013. This will
be of benefit to campus facilities as it will reduce grass mowing and make it easier to mow around the
gardens (less small pieces).
Expenses to be completed by May 31 2013: Purchase of picnic tables; installation of TD sign and SPF
sign; identification of plants in the meditation garden by student (hired); renewal of woodchip mulch (no
cost only labour); replacement of plants that died over the winter; building and planting short piece to
connect the two “butterfly” gardens (soil. plants and labour); basic maintenance of garden – some
pruning, fertilizing etc.; stones used in the garden will be identified to provide additional educational
material
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Assessment
All projects:
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total hours for all people approximately 80 hours – most likely more as people volunteered at
various times
partners TD funds, Macdonald campus Facilities; students – undergraduate and graduate
relaxation place for campus community to enjoy – should increase as we increase picnic tables
1 person employed for about 20 hrs.
Participants – Mac campus community
Not completed but will be finished by May 31 2013 (see paragraph above)
McGill depts.: Plant Science, Natural Resource Sciences and Bioresource Engineering, MSE
The garden is a perennial garden – evaluation of plant survival will be done in the spring –
expectation that the gardens will survive -90% if not more
Education
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Garden will be used for local elementary school visits
Gardens will be used for potential insect and pollinator studies on the campus by the NRS dept
Wellness and Health
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Members of the Mac community garden brought lunches to eat at the butterfly garden
Many people sent emails about the number of butterflies seen in the garden – more butterflies
and bees are expected this year as flowering should start earlier and last longer
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