A butterfly flowerbed with Victorian roots

Today, VMFA volunteers planted over 500 pots of annuals contracted by the VMFA and grown for us by Stranges Wholesale growing division in Mechanicsville.  Most are exotic, some native, and all reflect the colorful bedding planting that was the style during the late 1800’s as the world’s plants were coming to Europe and North America as a result of worldwide plant exploration.

The technological development of rolled glass, cast iron and steam heat enabled the construction of glass houses in which to grow these new plants year-round. This type of garden design resembles a stacked wedding cake with graduated heights of the plantings. As an added benefit, many of the plants will attract butterflies.

Special thanks to our volunteers!

Ken Dotson

Ken Dotson

Linda Walter

Linda Walter

Louise Brierre

Louise Brierre

Marlene Culpepper (l) and Louise Brierre (r)

Marlene Culpepper (l) and Louise Brierre (r)

Skip Walton

Skip Walton

Dave Herbst

Dave Herbst