Each year, my daughter and I do a summer project together. We’ve built a working engine, done a few electronics projects, and built a huge Viking ship which her school in Florida even put on display. It’s less about the project itself, and more about learning together to plan, lay out and implement something together.

This year we decided to take a neglected patch of ground at the house, which gets little sun and no attention or use, and plant a Butterfly Garden. We wanted a place to sit and have a cup of coffee that would be durable and able to handle the climate here.

We started by clearing out the area and leveling the base material. We added Peat Moss to make it comfortable. (Yes, I helped, but Christina is in every shot because I’m behind the camera!)

Then we bought some Travertine Marble from a local quarry and broke it into pieces.  We followed with a couple of wrought-iron chairs and a table, and found a great iron gazebo.

We also allowed the dog to “help” put the gazebo together.

Next it was on to putting the walkway in, with the marble and later some moss in between the stones.

We added butterfly accents on the plant hangars and a little fence around a large pot, as well as a water bath for the butterflies.

Finally a little color and the accents.

Now we have a relaxing spot for morning coffee and afternoon chats.