Butterflies and blooms classes kick off July 25

Delaware Botanic Gardens’ 37 acres are in full peak summer bloom, and Butterflies & Blooms classes kick off at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, July 25, at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro. Ray Sander, DBG president said, “This Butterflies & Blooms class is a family-friendly class that is both fun and educational. All are welcome.” The classes also will be offered Thursdays, Aug. 8 and Aug. 15.

Stephen Pryce Lea, deputy executive director, said, “The summer breeze carries the hungry pollinators inland to the abundance of our DBG blooms. DBG is fortunate to have a well-established Piet Oudolf 2-acre meadow with native plants that attract essential pollinators. We have seen an upturn in the numbers of bees and butterflies visiting the gardens and woodland trails. Now is the best time to visit.”

This program offers guests a chance to explore the Piet Oudolf Meadow in a new way, searching for and identifying the many butterfly species that take advantage of the nectar offered by the blooming perennials. Monarchs, spicebush swallowtails, eastern tiger swallowtails, American ladies, painted ladies, variegated fritillaries and silver spotted skippers are some of the most frequent visitors to the meadow. Volunteer docents help guests identify the butterflies and their favorite nectar plants in the meadow. The necessary host plants, where hungry caterpillars eat their way to the next stage, are also discussed so gardeners can be sure they are supporting the entire life cycle of the butterflies they love.

Class size is limited and preregistration is required. The class and admission are free for members. Nonmembers’ admission is $15 and the class is free. Children 16 and under, when accompanied by an adult, have free admission and a free butterfly tour. Reserve tickets at the website below.

Sheryl Swed, DBG executive director said, “In addition, on Friday. July 26 and Friday, Aug. 30, is a special summer meadow garden tour at 11:30 a.m. The guided tour by Stephen Pryce Lea, DBG deputy executive director, is a leisurely stroll through the 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow. Learn about the benefits of growing native plants and the pollinators they attract.”

Gardens are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, with guided tours available at 10 a.m.

For more information, go to delawaregardens.org.