As part of the Sonoma Farm project, Rhyne Designs was asked to create a dedicated butterfly and pollinator garden in an unused corner of the farm, next to a picnic area for the farm staff.  This garden was desired both as a habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinating insects, and a nice space to sit and enjoy the flowers, fragrances, and buzz of activity.  Additionally, the garden is on track to be approved as an official Monarch Waystation by monarchwatch.org.

The design took inspiration from the adjacent flower farm, but the normally long straight rows become curved and wavy to give the garden a more natural and whimsical feel.  Within these curves a hierarchy of plant sizes and types places more permanent shrubs in the center as ‘spines’ and lower perennial and annual plantings towards the edges.  Then the main path slices through these waves, punctuated by several oval sitting areas.  A very large Eucalyptus tree that had to be cut down nearby was salvaged to create benches and a water feature, an essential part of butterfly habitat.

This is a unique type of garden for Rhyne Designs, at 7,000 square feet the largest planting design to date focused on the annual and perennial plants that are important for butterflies and other pollinators.  Because these plants are short lived and highly variable through the seasons, there was a big effort to research the possible plants and visit local nurseries to find interesting specimens and beautiful combinations of color and texture.  Also unique to this project is the great farm staff who can provide continuing maintenance and resupply the planting areas with new annuals as the seasons change.   A fantastic experience and beautiful result!

Construction Team: Westwind Construction (general contractor and project manager) & Sal Mendez Landscaping