Residents, Volunteers Team Up to Create Vibrant Butterfly Garden

HIGH SPRINGS – Residents of Plantation Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care recently enjoyed a special community gardening event aimed at creating a butterfly garden at their facility.

Volunteers from the High Springs Garden Club and the GFWC Woman’s Club gathered at the assisted living center at 23301 NW 186th Ave. on May 14 to plant flowers and create an inviting space designed specifically to attract butterflies.

The initiative was made possible by a donation from the Thrivent Financial Organization of Gainesville, a Lutheran-based group dedicated to supporting community service projects. The grant provided funds to purchase a large raised garden bed, plants, soil, and fertilizer.

Fifteen members from both local clubs collaborated with residents in planting various flowers. Club members also brought additional plants from their own gardens to enhance the project's beauty and appeal.

"It was a delightful afternoon made possible by Thrivent’s generous support," said Ginger O’Loughlin, who serves as secretary for both participating clubs. “This project provided an enjoyable experience for residents and volunteers alike.”

Participants concluded the afternoon with refreshments, also funded by Thrivent. Residents received gift bags and decorative diamond-art butterfly sticks to add colorful finishing touches to the garden beds.

One resident, known for his dedication to caring for the facility’s plants, expressed particular enthusiasm about the new garden. He regularly waters and maintains the plants throughout the growing season.

O’Loughlin said the gardening event allowed both the High Springs Garden Club and the Woman’s Club to fulfill their ongoing commitments to community service projects.

The project was coordinated by Plantation Oaks Activities Director Lori Higgins, Thrivent Financial member Linda Lawson, club volunteers, and O’Loughlin, who also coordinates the weekly bingo activities at the facility.

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