When we think of pollinator gardens, we often focus on flowers–but two-thirds of pollinators rely on native trees and shrubs as host plants, or food plants, for their caterpillars. The Woodland Demonstration Garden is designed to highlight the importance of the ‘layered landscape’--the native trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover that provide habitat for all stages of pollinators’ life cycles. Species found here provide shelter for overwintering eggs and larvae, food for growing caterpillars, leaf litter for winter cover, and nectar sources for early-emerging bees.

Look for:

• Layers of vegetation
• Life under decomposing logs
• Black Cherry tree (distinctive “burnt potato chip” bark) - overwintering spot for adult butterflies
• Violets - host plant for fritillary butterfly

This teaching garden focuses on the “how-to” of pollinator-friendly gardening, inspiring visitors to create habitat in their own backyards. The native plants found here have co-evolved with our native pollinators, and are best able to provide for their needs. For example,  native asters provide food for the caterpillar of the pearl crescent butterfly, as well as nectar for adults.Color, shape and scent are all cues to guide pollinators to nectar sources, and a wide array of cues encourages a diversity of pollinator guests. Host plants and a continuous succession of bloom encourage these visitors to make the garden their home. With pollinators in decline, we aim to assist them by planting natives, providing nesting habitat and a pesticide-free environment.

Look for:

• Members of the mint family– minty smell and square stem ( wild bergamot, mountain min, anise hyssop)
• Variety of flower shapes, colors, height and form:
  • Flowers with a large landing pad for butterflies
  • Small, clustered flowers that attract different sizes of bees
• Find a place for a caterpillar, pupa, or adult butterfly to hide

Monarch Waystations are supported by Monarch Watch, a nonprofit educational outreach program based at the University of Kansas that focuses on the monarch butterfly. Waystations provide host plants and nectar sources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Monarch larvae feed exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias spp), so this demonstration area showcases several species native to our area. The goal of this garden is to create, conserve, and protect monarch habitat.

Look for:

Milkweeds:

• The unique “ horns and hoods”  structure of an individual flower.
• Large leaves and milky sap
• Red milkweed bugs

Serenity Space is a healing, restorative nook that invites passersby to sit down and allow their burdens to drop away for a while. Wheelchair-friendly access encourages all visitors to enjoy the tranquil setting, surrounded by soothing grasses, native plants, and a panoramic view of Tussey Ridge.

Look for:

• Naturally sculptured rock that collects water for pollinators and birds
• The sounds of Birds, bees and gently swaying grasses
• The scent of herbs, especially mint

This demonstration garden showcases plants and created structures that support bird life in your own backyard. Bird species in Pennsylvania depend heavily on the same insects that are supported in a pollinator garden. The native trees, shrubs and ground layer plants that feed the insects in turn feed birds and their young. Birds also benefit from layered plantings for protective nest sites and winter cover. In addition, the nuts, seeds and fruits produced by these plants offer essential food for many other forms of wildlife.

Look for:

• Bird food–insects, fruit, seeds
• A place a bird could hide or build a nest
• A place a bird could drink and bathe
• Created structures– brush fence, bird box

75% of butterfly host plants are native trees and shrubs. Adding native shrubs to your landscape is one of the best ways to increase populations of pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. This demonstration garden showcases our favorite native shrub selections.

Look for:

Native alternatives to non-native invasives:

• • Sweetspire instead of Japanese barberry
  • Spicebush instead of forsythia
  • Buttonbush instead of butterfly bush

There are over 4000 species of bees native to North America, but many of these populations are threatened due to loss of habitat. Plants in this

demonstration garden have been chosen for their special value to native bees, providing essential pollen and nectar sources as well as habitat. The space includes a bee "hotel" that contains a large variety of nesting material for native bees and other beneficial insects. 

Look for:

• Hollow plant stems and logs for cavity nesting bees
• Bare ground for ground nesting bees
• Variety of pollen and nectar sources

Dr. Snetsinger’s vision for the Butterfly Garden was to establish an open meadow habitat, rich with native flowers and grasses surrounded by native trees and shrubs that support bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife.  Meadows provide critical environmental resources that are essential to pollinator health.

Look for:

• Migrating monarchs nectaring on goldenrod and New England asters