AT TROPICAL RANCH BOTANICAL GARDENS, A LOVE OF BUTTERFLIES BRINGS TOGETHER A NOTED GARDEN DESIGNER AND A STUDENT SHE INSPIRED MANY YEARS AGO.While a second grade student at Bessey Creek Elementary School, Sarah Rocheleau met a woman who was to ignite a passion for butterflies that has evolved into her creating a certified butterfly garden surrounding her home as well as creating knowledgeable exhibits of the types of butterflies found in Martin County. Sarah's mother, Janelle, fostered this interest and assisted Sarah in attaining these goals. Within their own "butterfly paradise," these women have taken hundreds of photographs of butterflies throughout their transformation from caterpillar to maturity.

Last Saturday, Sarah had an opportunity to reunite with Jean Foley - the woman who had volunteered in the Garden Club of Stuart's "Junior Butterfly Program" at Bessey Creek School those many years ago. Foley was the featured speaker at Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens seminar, "Butterflies and Gardens Go Together" and Sarah and Janelle shared the spotlight with their many exhibits and photographs. Foley was truly amazed at what Sarah had created and the wealth of information she possessed. About 120 people were in the audience and enjoyed this presentation; in addition, butterfly starter kits were raffled off to attendees and a polydamus butterfly was released. Two dozen butterfly attracting plants were available for purchase.

At this time, the Garden Club's Butterfly Program is still active at Bessey Creek Elementary School under the direction of Martin County Master Gardener and Garden Club member, Cindy Trossbach. The garden setting there provides students with an excellent example of how they can create a sustainable environment for the butterflies of Martin County. For Jean Foley, it was an extremely rewarding experience to see what can happen over the years when one student becomes passionate about the world of butterflies.