Did you know the Vortex has a nationally certified butterfly sanctuary? Over 16 years, the good folks next to the Butterfly Bar (get it now?) have cultivated butterfly-friendly plants and fed caterpillars, watching them bloom into more than 40 species of butterflies that pass through the garden. At this green-thumb gathering, you can expect hands-on lessons in planting, arts & crafts, and all things butterfly, along with live music by NECHERU. If you’d like to make a contribution, the garden is always looking for these butterfly-friendly native plants – native milkweed (not tropical, for the monarchs), shrimp plant, verbena, frogfruit, Gregg’s mistflower, fennel, dill, sweet alyssum, and nasturtium, among many others that can be found at Tillery Street Plant Company, and by consulting the extensive butterfly plant list from the Natural Gardener. Pottery, potting soil, mulch, and compost are also always appreciated. – Lina Fisher
