Landscape Architect, Stuart Bussian volunteered his services for garden's design. In 2017, the Mount Dora Library Association adopted the plan, which incorporates a color wheel design concept. The project included 75% Florida-friendly native and nectar producing plants. The concept incorporates a center circle butterfly release area. The circle's border incorporates reclaimed ceramic "birds, bees and butterfly" tiles. The City of Mount Dora accepted this landscape master plan gift in October, 2017.

 

Today the one-acre Nunan Butterfly Garden is home to many species of pollinators, and birds, which are attracted to its natural, pesticide free environment. The mix of colorful native plants requires less maintenance and irrigation. In addition to recreation and tourism, the garden provides an educational platform for children and residents increasingly drawn to outdoor spaces. The Nunan Butterfly Garden is cared for by a team of talented volunteers, who are assisted by the City's Parks staff. The Library manages and plans the space, which is home to Tuesday Story Birds story times, the annual Butterfly Release, Plant Swap, and other community events.

'Frankly, we didn't realize how much we needed a landscape architect until I met Stuart Bussian at a Chamber of Commerce event. I appealed to his civic nature and he agreed to donate his professional services to the City of Mount Dora. Stuart's design was so intuitive and perfectly embraced how we intended to use the public space. Three years later, we couldn't be happier with the garden's design, sustainability and appeal - both to people and pollinators alike,' says Library Manager Cathy Lunday.

The vision for the Nunan Butterfly Garden is to create an accessible venue that appeals to as many divergent needs of visitors and residents alike, which it continues to accomplish every day, thanks to the generosity of Library patrons, benefactors and its volunteers.

As seen in LASN magazine, April 2021.