The Making of Swallowtail Garden

In 2017, my dad and I built a terraced butterfly garden on the slope beside our house. This had been a dream of mine for a long time, and I have loved it each year since.

My dad and me preparing to lay the third terrace.

The retaining wall my dad built using stones from the property (before adding mortar)

Transplanting the amaryllis in their new bed.

Jingle Bell transplanting herself in a new bed.

Adding landscaping cloth before the mulch.

The first summer

My garden has been such a delight and solace over the years. Thanks to my dad, what started out as another sketch on scrap paper has become a vibrant reality. I’m constantly impressed by the way he learns new skills with ease. But more than that, I’m grateful that he chooses to do these wild ideas with me.