The Native Plant Garden and Monarch Waystation is a 4,200 square foot educational garden being installed near the playground at Amerson River Park in Macon, Georgia, by the Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society in conjunction with Master Gardeners. The garden was designed using the guidelines of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Connect to Protect program, Georgia Native Plant Society, the Xerces Society, and Monarch Watch.

Host plants for our native butterflies and moths will be included, as will other plants that provide nectar, fruit, and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Educational signage will include those that define what native plants are and explain why they are essential to the health of our ecosystem, explain the essential role insects play in our ecosystem, and describe non-native invasive plant species that need to be removed or suppressed to allow native plants to thrive.

Other signage will illustrate the life cycle of the endangered monarch butterfly and describe the annual migration of the Eastern population of monarchs in the United States, and explain the natural gardening techniques that are being used in the garden (composting, avoidance of pesticide use, the repurposing of invasive plant trunks and limbs into arbors and trellises).

The garden design includes a sidewalk from the “Great Lawn” pathway into the garden, and a “Gratitude Patio” that includes engraved pavers purchased by community supporters. The sidewalk and patio will give garden access to our visitors with limited mobility, making it a magical, welcoming place for all middle Georgians to learn about and appreciate nature.