The Butterfly Garden Challenge
Ends 3.9.2020 at 11:59pm
Let's work together to make Glen Rock even more butterfly friendly.
We've planted over 80 in the past 3 years!
This year's goal is to add 27 more gardens to the town.
We've planted over 80 in the past 3 years!
This year's goal is to add 27 more gardens to the town.
Here’s how you can help!
From individuals, to schools, community groups, and businesses – everyone can make a difference!
Step 1
Order a package (or multiple packages). Plants will arrive the end of April.
Each package was curated by Elaine Silverstein of Glen Rock, NJ. Elaine is a professional horticulturist, and she picked NATIVE plants that will attract butterflies and thrive in our climate.
Order a package (or multiple packages). Plants will arrive the end of April.
Each package was curated by Elaine Silverstein of Glen Rock, NJ. Elaine is a professional horticulturist, and she picked NATIVE plants that will attract butterflies and thrive in our climate.
Step 2
Elaine will notify you when your plants are ready to be picked up from her home in Glen Rock, NJ. She will provide you with instructions on how to plant and care for them. The plants will arrive the end of April.
OR
To order and pay for the add-on planting service, you can pay via Venmo to christopher-leishear-1 or email Chris at christopherleishear@gmail.com to arrange payment by check or cash. Payment can be made upon delivery.
Elaine will notify you when your plants are ready to be picked up from her home in Glen Rock, NJ. She will provide you with instructions on how to plant and care for them. The plants will arrive the end of April.
OR
To order and pay for the add-on planting service, you can pay via Venmo to christopher-leishear-1 or email Chris at christopherleishear@gmail.com to arrange payment by check or cash. Payment can be made upon delivery.
Plants will arrive around April 29th. Exact date depends on the weather, rain, temps, ya know... all that stuff that matters when you are growing native.
ORDER
HOW TO ORDER
To order and pay for the plants, pick a package or packages and send the payment via Paypal (pick friends/family to avoid fees) to elasil@optonline.net or email her to pay by check. Include your full name, email address, and street address when paying.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON ORDER
To order and pay for the add-on send the payment via Paypal to christopherleishear@gmail.com or email him to pay by check. Include your full name and address when paying.
Sending money via Paypal is easy - https://tinyurl.com/h2mf5uk
To order and pay for the plants, pick a package or packages and send the payment via Paypal (pick friends/family to avoid fees) to elasil@optonline.net or email her to pay by check. Include your full name, email address, and street address when paying.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON ORDER
To order and pay for the add-on send the payment via Paypal to christopherleishear@gmail.com or email him to pay by check. Include your full name and address when paying.
Sending money via Paypal is easy - https://tinyurl.com/h2mf5uk
DEADLINE
The last orders will be taken on 3.9.20. This is a hard deadline; we must order all of the plants at once to get a group discount.
More about the Plants
Please note that similar plants will be substituted if these plants are not available.
FAQ
When will my plants bloom?
The plants you will receive will be small, because small plants transplant better. They may or may not bloom the first year. However, they will spend that first year growing deep roots, so they will bloom the following year.
How much space does each plant need?
Allow approximately 1 square foot of space per plant.
Where should I plant them?
In a spot where they will receive 6+ hours of sun per day. Sun is all they need to grow strong and beautiful. Allow approximately 1 square foot of space per plant.
What type of soil is needed?
These plants will thrive in most soil types, even the poorest soil. And they will never, ever need fertilizer.
Should I plant them all together, or can I spread them around my yard?
Arrange the plants however you like, as long as you put taller plants in back of shorter ones!
Do I have to water the plants?
Watering is critical. During the first growing season, water thoroughly at least once during each week in which we receive no or little rainfall. After the first growing season, the plants should not need watering except during extreme droughts.
Will I have to replant my pollinator garden each year?
No! These plants are perennials: they will go dormant in fall and regrow from their roots each spring. Do not remove dead plant material in fall; rather, wait until new growth begins in spring. Many butterflies and beneficial insects spend the winter inside the stems of native plants—don’t remove their winter shelter! Also, once your plants begin to bloom, they will produce seed that birds will eat throughout the winter.
Should I use pesticides?
No! The most important principle of ecological gardening is to avoid the use of pesticides. Do not use pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides in your garden! Pesticides kill all insects, including ladybugs, fireflies, and butterflies. Herbicides kill all broadleaf plants, including butterfly host plants like violets.
How will I know how to care for them?
You will receive detailed instructions that explain how to plant and care for them.
The plants you will receive will be small, because small plants transplant better. They may or may not bloom the first year. However, they will spend that first year growing deep roots, so they will bloom the following year.
How much space does each plant need?
Allow approximately 1 square foot of space per plant.
Where should I plant them?
In a spot where they will receive 6+ hours of sun per day. Sun is all they need to grow strong and beautiful. Allow approximately 1 square foot of space per plant.
What type of soil is needed?
These plants will thrive in most soil types, even the poorest soil. And they will never, ever need fertilizer.
Should I plant them all together, or can I spread them around my yard?
Arrange the plants however you like, as long as you put taller plants in back of shorter ones!
Do I have to water the plants?
Watering is critical. During the first growing season, water thoroughly at least once during each week in which we receive no or little rainfall. After the first growing season, the plants should not need watering except during extreme droughts.
Will I have to replant my pollinator garden each year?
No! These plants are perennials: they will go dormant in fall and regrow from their roots each spring. Do not remove dead plant material in fall; rather, wait until new growth begins in spring. Many butterflies and beneficial insects spend the winter inside the stems of native plants—don’t remove their winter shelter! Also, once your plants begin to bloom, they will produce seed that birds will eat throughout the winter.
Should I use pesticides?
No! The most important principle of ecological gardening is to avoid the use of pesticides. Do not use pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides in your garden! Pesticides kill all insects, including ladybugs, fireflies, and butterflies. Herbicides kill all broadleaf plants, including butterfly host plants like violets.
How will I know how to care for them?
You will receive detailed instructions that explain how to plant and care for them.

Who is Elaine Silverstein?
"I am the owner of NatureSurrounds. Naturesurrounds provides environmentally friendly gardening services, including design, coaching, and consultation, in the Ridgewood/Glen Rock/FairLawn area of Bergen County, New Jersey. I am a professional horticulturist certified in Sustainable Landscape Management by the New York Botanical Garden, and my particular interest (and passion) is creating a sustainable landscape and a sense of place. Whether you do everything yourself or hire landscaping services, whether you are an accomplished gardener or a beginner, I can help you create a beautiful, practical, green outdoor living space.
Please email me for a list of services provided, for client references, and for an appointment for a FREE initial consultation. I am also available to speak to garden clubs and other groups. Topics include ‘Easy to Grow Native Plants,’ ‘The Sustainable Garden,’ and ‘Attracting Wildlife with Native Plants.’
You can reach me at naturesurrounds@gmail.com."
"I am the owner of NatureSurrounds. Naturesurrounds provides environmentally friendly gardening services, including design, coaching, and consultation, in the Ridgewood/Glen Rock/FairLawn area of Bergen County, New Jersey. I am a professional horticulturist certified in Sustainable Landscape Management by the New York Botanical Garden, and my particular interest (and passion) is creating a sustainable landscape and a sense of place. Whether you do everything yourself or hire landscaping services, whether you are an accomplished gardener or a beginner, I can help you create a beautiful, practical, green outdoor living space.
Please email me for a list of services provided, for client references, and for an appointment for a FREE initial consultation. I am also available to speak to garden clubs and other groups. Topics include ‘Easy to Grow Native Plants,’ ‘The Sustainable Garden,’ and ‘Attracting Wildlife with Native Plants.’
You can reach me at naturesurrounds@gmail.com."