A comprehensive environmental restoration and garden enhancement project has transformed local green spaces over the past ten months, showcasing innovative trail construction, native plant restoration, and dynamic butterfly habitat creation. Under the visionary leadership of Husein Zorkot—Butterfly Gardener, Garden Manager, and Director—the initiative has rejuvenated a once-underutilized area into a thriving ecological haven for both wildlife and community members.
Project Highlights & Timeline
- May 2018
- Environmental Foundations: Installation of interpretive signs, a detailed floristic survey, and the ecorestoration and salvaging of native plants set the stage for a sustainable transformation.
- Landscape Revitalization: Expert garden design and green landscaping were implemented alongside an extensive litter cleanup, ensuring a pristine environment for future growth.
- June 2018
- Trail Development: A 250-meter curvilinear, erosion-resistant trail was constructed using a soil-type surface, complemented by the installation of basking and puddling stations.
- Butterfly-Friendly Enhancements: Butterfly feeders and specialized garden accessories were installed to promote local butterfly populations.
- July 2018
- Garden Expansions: Continued garden design and green landscaping improvements were bolstered by the installation of a new greenhouse. Dedicated Rose and Flower Gardens were also established, providing both beauty and biodiversity.
- August 2018
- New Trail & Seedbank Initiatives: A 100-meter trail was added while wild seed harvests (including cleaning and storage) laid the groundwork for a long-term seedbank.
- In-depth Insect Studies: Butterfly watching, alongside day and night moth studies, enhanced understanding of local lepidopteran species.
- Greenhouse Interior Overhaul: Redesigned for maximum staging and storage space with dedicated seedbeds.
- September – October 2018
- Continued Seed Harvest and Planting: Regular wild seed collection, coupled with ongoing butterfly observations and garden maintenance, ensured the gardens remained vibrant and ecologically balanced.
- Floral Enhancements: Targeted planting of wildflowers along trails reinforced the ecological connectivity of the area.
- November – December 2018
- Expanded Planting & Irrigation: The project scaled up with the planting of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, and the installation of over 2,100 meters of water pipelines and driplines.
- Seasonal Preparations: A comprehensive snow action plan, greenhouse heater installations, and gardening equipment setups ensured winter resilience.
- Educational Outreach: An ecologic seed harvest training session and community lunch fostered local engagement and knowledge sharing.
- January – February 2019
- Spring Preparations: Intensive garden maintenance, including watering, pruning, and the planting of a living fence and greenhouse plants, prepared the gardens for the spring bloom.
- Specialized Zones: The setup of a pinetum, fern garden, and a dedicated butterfly garden plant nursery has expanded the project’s ecological scope.
- Ongoing Cultivation: Sowing of an additional 40,000–50,000 seeds, pricking out new plants, and further trail and litter cleanup efforts underscore the project’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
A Vision for the Future
Husein Zorkot, the driving force behind the project, commented, “This initiative is not just about planting trees or building trails—it’s about reconnecting our community with nature. Every step of this journey, from detailed seed harvesting to designing butterfly-friendly spaces, has been about creating a living, evolving ecosystem that benefits both our environment and our local residents.”
Get Involved
Residents and nature enthusiasts are encouraged to explore the revitalized garden, participate in ongoing activities, or learn more about the project. For further details, media inquiries, or to volunteer, please contact:
Husein Zorkot, Butterfly Gardener, Garden Manager & Director
Email: hzorkot@spnl.org
Phone: +76/371 382
