Native Grasses, Wildflowers & Butterfly Gardens in Our Parks

Growing Wild—with Purpose

Native Grasses, Wildflowers & Butterfly Gardens in Our Parks

Something special is taking root in our parks! Selected areas are being intentionally planted with wildflowers, native grasses, and butterfly gardens to create habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

These natural gardens have a different look and purpose than regularly mowed lawns. Taller plants, changing blooms, and dried seed heads are part of the landscape—not signs of neglect.

Gardens with a Purpose

Butterfly gardens provide more than beautiful flowers. They offer nectar for adult butterflies, host plants where butterflies can lay eggs and caterpillars can feed, and shelter throughout their life cycles.

These plantings also support bees, birds, beneficial insects, and other small wildlife, helping create a healthier park ecosystem.

Why Let the Grasses Grow?

Native grasses are an important part of these natural spaces. Certain grasses serve as host plants for butterfly caterpillars, while their stems and clumps provide shelter for insects and other wildlife. Their seeds also provide food for birds and small mammals.

A Different Look in Every Season

Natural gardens aren’t always in bloom. As the seasons change, you may see emerging plants, tall grasses, dried stems, and seed heads. Even after flowers fade, these features can continue to provide food and shelter for wildlife.

A natural appearance is part of the purpose. These areas are being planted to grow as habitat, rather than maintained as lawn.

What We’re Planting

Our garden plantings will include these wildflowers and flowering plants:

  • Engelmann’s Daisy
  • Indian Blanket
  • Lemon Mint
  • Butterfly Milkweed
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Black-Eyed Susan
  • Clasping Coneflower
  • Pale Purple Coneflower
  • Purple Prairie Clover
  • Showy Milkweed
  • Lead Plant
  • Mexican Hat / Upright Coneflower
  • White Prairie Clover
  • Prairie Verbena
  • Lanceleaf Coreopsis
  • Partridge Pea

Enjoy the Gardens as They Grow

Watch for changing blooms and visiting butterflies as these gardens develop. Please leave flowers and plants in place so they can continue supporting the wildlife that depends on them.

Thank you for helping us make room for nature in our parks!