Gardens

Butterfly Garden: It is always good to plant native species of flora used to attract Florida wildlife. In the center of the garden found here at Tree Hill, food sources are provided for both larval (caterpillars) and adult butterflies. Butterflies will lay their eggs only on certain species of plants. Monarchs prefer milkweed, Zebra Swallowtails prefer Pawpaw and Gulf Fritillaries seek Passion Vine. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars will feed on the plant for several weeks. After reaching the appropriate size, the caterpillars make a chrysalis and then pupate. Several days later, the adult butterfly emerges. Adult butterflies seek brightly colored and strongly scented flowers for nectar a source of food. Flowers in the garden such as Purple Coneflower, Strawflower and Larkspur (Delphenium) provide this essential type of food.

Hummingbird Garden: This area located across from the gopher tortoise pen is planted with bright red flowers such as anise, salivia, firebush, cardinal's guard, trumpet vine and canna lilies. There attract Florida's only native species of hummingbird, the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archflocus colubris), to feed on their sweet nectar. In winter, there birds migrate out of our area and fly to Central America.

Herb and Organic Vegetable Garden: This garden offers a variety of herbs and organically grown vegetables. This garden is grown with natural compost as fertilizer. No commercial pesticides are used. Our compost area nearby demonstrates how nutrients are recycled in nature, an ecological way to dispose of lawn debris and other organic matter.