FERGUS – It’s ironic that St. James Anglican Church in Fergus had to buy butterflies to populate the butterfly garden it installed behind the historic church on Queen Street.
And to build the butterfly garden, it first had to remove a swath of weeds that likely had pollinator-loving plants among them.
But 15 years later, the garden is bursting with blooms and the church is busy booking weddings, anniversary parties and other functions in the garden.
“It’s a special place,” said Melanie Patterson, church office administrator and events coordinator. “The photo ops are amazing.”
The project was the brainchild of Norm and Lorraine Manning, members of the congregation who decided in 2008 that rather than take a big trip to celebrate their 50th anniversary, they would instead donate the money to the church for a butterfly garden.
Their vision for the garden was not just a place for pollinators – it would also be a place for humans. And their budget of $80,000 was generous.
They installed a concrete pad, sidewalk and a small chapel which is now used for storage and provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor weddings.
And every year, with equipment and a great deal of manpower, a tent is installed to bring shade and shelter to the patio area.
Norm Manning said they installed plants that would provide food for butterflies, “but they look like weeds and the gardeners kept pulling them out.
“We’re planting a row of milkweed on the other side the fence for the butterflies now,” he said.
The property overlooks the Grand River and there’s a lookout spot that’s also ideal for photos.
It’s peaceful and quiet but for the roar of the river, and feels far removed from the bustle of downtown Fergus, that’s only steps away.
“What we did has inspired parishioners to jump into this,” Manning said. “They put a new roof on the church, they’ve painted inside, and they’re helping with the gardens.”
And bookings keep coming, he said. The butterfly garden is a popular spot for weddings, dances, parties, fundraisers and functions. They also hold church services in the garden when the weather cooperates.
With lights, a sound system and outdoor heaters, it’s possible to accommodate all kinds of functions from June to October. And with a kitchen indoors, these can be catered events.
“It’s become a cash cow for the church and that’s what we wanted,” Manning said.
On the church grounds next to the butterfly garden are the community gardens, that can be rented for a season. There it’s mostly vegetables that are grown, but they, too, attract butterflies, so the two gardens are beneficial to each other and the butterfly population.
Manning said he and his wife are preparing for their 65th anniversary this summer.
They haven’t decided if they’ll take a trip, but they will certainly hold a party in the garden they created 15 years ago.
