On Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 we heard from Bound by Beauty founder, Mary Benton. She shared her story with us - the inspiration to her mission, "To transform how we interact with nature and with neighbors to create a more beautiful resilient and sustainable community, using butterflies as the catalyst for change."
After living in different parts of the world due to her husband's role as a diplomat, they settled in Miami Shores. Mary shared, "Eager to participate in local democracy, we were dismayed that nobody was talking about climate change and sea level rise. We decided to work to change that. And, for the first time in my adult life, I had a garden that I could do anything I wanted with, even though I knew nothing about gardening in Florida."
Early on, during construction at their historic home, she was gifted a milkweed plant. It was a "jewel" that set things in motion. Milkweed being the host to the beautiful monarch butterfly, the chrysallis is something to marvel and the metamorphasis a miracle. Mary mentioned, "It transformed me from an ego-centric gardener into an eco-centric one who wanted to fill my garden with more such beauty and magic. As I learned more about host and nectar plants, my butterfly ambassadors began to inspire those around me."
Her garden today exhibits over 40 species, completely enchanting to all who visit. She insists that anyone who has a garden can do this and enjoy the wonders of nature. Of course, first things first, the elimination of pesticides and toxic chemicals is paramount. The idea is to reconnect you with nature, fall in love, and become ambassadors to help protect its beauty and our future. Afterall, we are nothing without biodiveristy - it is crucial to our existence.
Mary has introduced a number of events and programs to our community like, Butterfly Circles (one is curently installed at Constitution Park), Wild Plant Scavenger Hunts and Cool Bug Safaris, Sidewalk Chalk Art, Greening South Florida, Network of Neighborhood Nurturies, Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar and Citrus Rescue Squad, Seeds 2 Share, Natives for Neighbors, Create Your Own Foster Butterfly Garden Group. Most recently, she has initiated and funded in part, the new Brockway Memorial Library Native Garden. Phase 1 has just been completed and Phase 2 is on the way!
Mary ended the program with an invitation, "Join forces with neighbors, give them gifts of gardens, harvest seeds and share. Leave a world to our kids that is not dire."
You are also invited to attend her upcoming Wild Plant Scavenger Hunt & Cool Bug Safari on Satuday, April 20th (9:30 am-10:30 am) at Constitution Park.
For more programming details, newsletter sign up, volunteering or to get in touch with Mary, please visit www.bounbybeauty.org
