Butterfly Celebration Hosted by Fort Bend County Master Gardeners

A colorful and educational experience is fluttering into Rosenberg this spring as the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners Association invites the public to its annual Butterfly Celebration. This free, family-friendly event will be held in the Demonstration Gardens at 1402 Band Road, offering a vibrant morning filled with butterfly-themed fun, gardening tips, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Known for their commitment to horticultural education and community outreach, the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners Association is a volunteer-driven organization affiliated with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Their mission is to educate and empower local residents to become successful gardeners, conservationists, and stewards of the environment.

This year's event is centered around the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), a native Texas butterfly known for its striking black wings and iridescent blue-green hind wings. Attendees will learn how to attract Pipevine Swallowtails and other butterflies to their own gardens using host and nectar plants, including the all-important milkweed, which will be available as starter plants for just $5.

Highlights of the Butterfly Celebration include:

• Live tours of eight themed Demonstration Gardens, including the Butterfly Garden, Herb Garden, Compost Area, Texas Native Garden, Vegetable Garden, and more. Learn how these unique spaces manage insects and support pollinators year-round.

• Interactive gardening and nature education stations, covering topics like aquaponics, hydroponics, composting, pollinator-friendly planting, and how to divide daylilies.

• Hands-on kids’ activities such as face painting, crafts, and fun facts about local insects and butterflies.

• Educational giveaways like free seed packets and gardening brochures, plus the opportunity to shop “passalong plants” cultivated by Master Gardeners.

• Ask a Master Gardener Booth where visitors can bring their gardening questions and get expert advice on everything from soil care to native plant selection.

Visitors will also receive free water at the welcome table, and first aid supplies will be available for guest safety. In the event of rain, all festivities will be moved indoors to the Bud O’Shieles Community Center at 1330 Band Road, just next door.

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, this celebration offers something for everyone. Learn how to plan a small backyard pollinator garden, discover the benefits of growing native plants, and gain a deeper appreciation for the essential role of butterflies and other pollinators in Texas ecosystems.

For more details about the Butterfly Celebration or to explore other gardening programs hosted by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners, visit www.fbmg.org or call 281-341-7068.