by Ann Taylor
Launched in 2018, the Ruston Butterfly Garden is now mature, in full bloom and more impressive than many anticipated. To celebrate, the North Central Louisiana Master Gardeners (NCLAMG) will host an early-evening seminar, “Ruston Butterfly Garden: A Plethora of Butterflies,” on Oct. 1, 2026, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. at the garden located at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and North Vienna Street.
The Butterfly Garden came about when Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker approached some NCLAMG members during the spring of 2018 with a request to discuss ways to beautify the city-owned corner. In March 2018, a cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and the Master Gardeners was signed, and the enthusiasm for the project was evident in the community. As the Master Gardeners began promoting the butterfly garden idea, they began receiving donations from residents and garden clubs. They knew more funds would be needed. Johnnie Hogan was instrumental in fundraising, and thanks to her efforts, we were awarded several mini-grants from the local Walmart. The remaining funding for the $25,000 project came from the Master Gardeners through their annual plant sales.
Momentum built each year as more funding became available for development of the garden. First, the city of Ruston hired Twin Oakes of Ruston to install the flower beds and the irrigation system. Next, Master Gardeners purchased plants for the flower beds, which also get weeded, fertilized, mulched and replanted each season. Brick pavers were placed in the center of the garden to serve as a foundation for the future pavilion. The local Lowe’s partnered with NCLAMG to install the black iron fence that encompasses the pavilion and flower beds.
Signage was developed to educate attendees on the life cycle of butterflies. Graphic designer Mieke Moller donated the designs for the signs, and Master Gardeners contracted with Rapid Signs of Ruston for printing.
Then the site was ready for a pavilion. Rather than a typical gazebo, the Master Gardeners asked Kevin J. Singh, director of the Community Design Activism Center (CDAC) and professor of architecture in the School of Design at Louisiana Tech, along with his students, to come up with potential designs for the pavilion. The students presented five designs to the Master Gardeners, and one plan was selected — the plan is an artistic take on butterfly wings.
For construction of the pavilion, Conway Boone Construction, a Ruston company, was chosen to build the structure. Hart Designs, another Ruston business, was chosen to create the butterfly mounted on the top of the pavilion.
Since 2018, Master Gardener presidents Kathy Davis, Liz Allison, Donna White, Claire Carroll and Peggy Grau led members in building and sustaining the Butterfly Garden. Since completion of the construction in 2022, Master Gardeners continue with seasonal planting, weeding, fertilizing and mulching. Mature trees and shrubs enhance the plantings of perennial and annual flowers. Like the rest of us, Master Gardeners have struggled to maintain the garden during these drought years. We continue to search out the best plants that will survive this new reality.
But still, the butterflies love it! While most people think summer is the only time butterflies are active, you can count on significant butterfly activity from spring through fall. Come enjoy the Butterfly Garden and learn from Master Gardeners about this downtown treasure. Parking is limited on-site for this evening event, so additional parking will be available at the b1BANK next door. The event will begin promptly at 5:15, so don’t be late!
If you can’t make this seminar, the Butterfly Garden is open every day, year-round, and there is no fee to visit. There are numerous informative signs that will help you understand the life cycle of butterflies and lots more.
Special thanks for the information in this snippet go to Dora Ann Hatch, Jeanette Hinckley and Peggy Grau, plus all the Master Gardeners who work in and support this beautiful garden.
